About
Frances Heaney Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Frances Ann Heaney, 75, of East Chatham, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland, New York.
The daughter of the late John F. (Jack) Heaney, Jr., and Sarah (Sally) Heaney, Frances (Fran, Frannie) was born on October 11, 1947, in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
Fran was raised in Bath, Maine while her father was a US Navy draftsman, and later lived in Arlington and Milton, Massachusetts. After graduating from Milton Highschool, she received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and a MA in Education from Harvard University.
As an adult, Fran's employment history included: Graphics Designer and Courtroom Artist, WNBC and WPIX, New York, NY; Art Director of CNN, Atlanta, GA; Creative Director, WTBS/Turner Classic Movies, Atlanta, GA; Creative Director, FOX, New York, NY; Design Director, TVFood Network; Creative Director/Manager, QVC, West Chester, PA; Art Teacher, The Alternative High School/Hudson, NY School District.
Fran was previously a Board Member/President, Columbia County Council on the Arts and Publicity Chair of The Garden Club of Kinderhook, NY.
A lifelong accomplished artist and an avid plein air painter, Frannie organized painting events at The Olana Historic site and elsewhere. From 2003-2015, she authored her weekly Red/Spencertown column for the Chatham (NY) Courier covering the arts, culture, gardening and people of Columbia County. She always ended by saying "Thank you for reading my column." She was respected for her generosity, knowledge and professionalism. Throughout her life, Fran was known and loved, for her tendency to burst into song and for her sense of humor. Her last words were "Please change the channel."
Survivors include her pal of 40 years, James Christe, as well as many loyal friends and neighbors.
Cremation took place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
A memorial service will be performed in the future at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington, Massachusetts.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with her circle at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Micah Johnson
August 22, 2023
Very sad news. Worked with Fran at CNN Headline News. She had a smile for everyone.
Kath S
June 19, 2023
Worked with Fran at Headline News. She always had a smile and a great laugh. Those were special days back then. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Verna Gates
June 19, 2023
She was always such a delight.
Janet W
June 4, 2023
Fran will always be remembered. Condolences to her loved ones. I'm glad to have known her.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Patt Wagner
June 3, 2023
Worked with Fran at Headline News in the mid 80s. She was one of a kind!
Janice McDon
June 2, 2023
Fran was an amazing woman. We worked together at CNN2/Headline News. So talented, level-headed, and funny. Sending love to James.
Cleve Hardman
June 1, 2023
It was a pleasure to work with Fran at the startup of CNN2 (aka CNN Headline News) and to visit with her at periodic reunions. My condolences to James who was a great friend during my time at the CNN Dallas bureau.
J. Archer
June 1, 2023
A lot of people HAVE personality ...not many ARE a personality! Fran always was generous with her time and creativity, encouraging and nurturing, a mentor, who changed the lives of many she touched ... innovative and bold and always looking for the positive aspect and approaching life with a terrific sense of humor and very quick with a compliment...a passion for art ,a talented painter. ..a life well lived ..SHE will live on the hearts of those who adored her! ..." Don't worry about the work, I'll do everything ...just sit there and tell me stories...!!"
Keep Laughing always /LOVE, Jeff
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
218 2nd Ave., Troy, NY 12180
Make a Donation
in Frances Heaney's name
People and places connected with Frances
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Frances's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Frances Heaney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
