Frances A. Hines

Frances A. Hines, 86, of Shelton, formerly of Norwalk and Weston, died October 2, at her home at Crosby Commons Assisted Living. Originally from Southport, she was the youngest of ten, born to Mary and Frank Rose, who came to this country at the turn of the 20th Century.

Her daughters, Janice Brown, and her husband Bruce Goulart, of Newtown and Patricia A. Hines of Fairfield; her son, John Hines of New Haven; her granddaughter, Sara Surmolian, and her husband Matthew, of Southbury; her grandson, Eric Brown, and his wife Adrienne, of Trumbull; five great-grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews survive Mrs Hines. Her husband, John, predeceased her in 2007.

She was a secretary or administrative assistant for most of her working life. She met her future husband, a returning soldier from World War II, while working at the University School of Bridgeport. They were married for 60 years.

She loved to entertain those around her or be the first one to tell a joke. She felt she missed her calling to be a professional actress and singer, but pursued those interests locally. She had a role in Weston’s musical production for its bicentennial, was a member of Weston’s St Francis of Assisi Church choir and was a member of the Mello-Dears singing group of the Westport Senior Center. She also was a published poet and a longtime member of the Weston Senior Center.

Upon their retirement, she and her husband traveled extensively around the country as well as taking a yearly trip to the Caribbean. She enjoyed the time she spent with her family, especially her great-grandsons, who gave her so much joy.

She was an athlete all of life, playing softball and basketball in her younger years and later as a member of the Catholic Women’s Bowling League in Norwalk.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Bright Star, the nurses of Vitas and its associated agencies, and the staff of Crosby Commons for their care and compassion. There will be no calling hours. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 am, Saturday, October 6, at Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Food Bank, 150 Bradley Street, East Haven CT 06512.

To send an online condolence, visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.

The Newtown Bee        October 5, 2012