Frances Stankavich

Stankavich, Frances NISKAYUNA Frances "Franny" Rolph Stankavich, 59, of Niskayuna, died Monday, November 5, 2007 at Ellis Hospital after a long illness due to disability. Franny was born in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of Felix and Fritzi Beck. She was a graduate of Springfield Tech High School and had attended Springfield College and AIC. She was a graduate of the College of Saint Rose and the graduate school, where she earned her master's in special education. While residing in Springfield, she co-owned Climbers' Corner in Cambridge, Mass. Franny moved to the Schenectady area in 1974. At one time, she co-owned Alpine Recreation. She taught at Vanderhyden Hall before teaching special education for the Schenectady City School District, teaching at several of the schools before retiring from Mont Pleasant Middle School. Mrs. Stankavich belonged to many professional organizations, and was a longtime member of IOCA and a member of AARP. She is survived by her husband of nine years, David Stankavich; a stepson, Michael Stankavich; one brother, Donald (Gail) Beck of Martha's Vineyard; one uncle, Herbert (Cecilia) Beck of London, England; cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Funeral service Friday evening 6:00 at the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Assoc., 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 or the American Heart Assoc., P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.