Frances Elvira Apetz

SCARBOROUGH -- Frances Elvira Apetz, who celebrated her centennial birthday in January, passed away peacefully at Scarborough Terrace, Scarborough, on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. She was born in Corona, N.Y., to Charles and Emily Gillingham. Following graduation from high school, she worked for a few years for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Frances married John Henry Apetz in 1937 and resided in the New York City area for a few years prior to establishing residence in Maplewood, N.J., for 45 years before moving to Pompano Beach, Fla., for the next 20 years, and finally, to the state of Maine for several years. For about 40 summers, they vacationed at Silver Bay, YMCA of the Adirondacks, a family/conference center on Lake George, N.Y.

Frances remained active throughout her life. She loved the game of tennis and played well into her 80s. She also enjoyed ballroom dancing. When her two children were young, she volunteered with both Girl and Boy Scouts, as well as, being a grade-school volunteer in the local PTA while in New Jersey. After moving to Florida, she volunteered in a Florida school system. She was involved in her local Christian Science Church in both New Jersey and Florida.

Frances was predeceased by her devoted husband, John, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage. She is survived by her two children, Thomas Apetz and wife Elsa of Skowhegan, and Janet Tarbuck and husband Richard "Woody" of Readfield; four grandchildren, Stephen Apetz and wife Ellen of Searsport, Ruth Turano and husband Joseph of Clinton, Lori Handrahan of Sorrento, and Shauna Handrahan and partner Colin Tong of Oakland, Calif.; two step-grandchildren, Brian Tarbuck and wife Kathy of Readfield, and Leigh Tarbuck and wife Millie of Rochester, N.H. She is also survived by her five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Apetz, Giovanni Turano, Mila Melenko, Eden Tong and Caleb Tong; and five step-great-grandchildren, Gabriel Tarbuck, Lauren Tarbuck, Alisha Tarbuck, Cooper Tarbuck and Henry Tarbuck. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Wesley Gillingham, of Knoxville, Tenn.; and many nieces and nephews.

Fran's family would like to extend a special thank-you to the wonderful staff at Scarborough Terrace for the love and care that they provided during her last six years.

A family memorial service will be held commemorating her life at a later date and time. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Silver Bay, YMCA of the Adirondacks, 87 Silver Bay Road, Silver Bay, NY 12874.

Frances and John's ashes will be placed in a memorial garden adjacent to the chapel.