Frances "Fran" Spina

E. UTICA - Frances "Fran" Spina, age 101, passed away, peacefully, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life. At the time of her passing, she was blessed to be surrounded by her devoted great-nieces, who were by her side during her final moments.

Born in Utica, on March 29, 1924, Frances was the daughter of the late Luigi "Louis" and Maria "Mary" (Mutolo) Spina. She spent her long life in the Utica area, living in the same neighborhood as St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church and attending grammar school there. She went on to graduate from T.R. Proctor High School.

An industrious woman, she began her career as an assembler with the General Electric Company, first at its Broad Street location and later at its French Road facility. She remained with the company, loyally, until her retirement in 1986. She earned a reputation as a responsible and tireless worker who carried out every task with masterful precision.

Fran's family always came first and filled her heart with love. She lived in a multi-generational family home, where the doors between the households were always open. It was there that she forged lifelong bonds with her nieces and served as a second mother to them. She also took part in caring for her great-nieces and great-nephews. Even as she grew older, she possessed boundless energy and remained a truly admirable woman.

She was well known for her talents in the kitchen and her exceptional skill at the stovetop, especially her fried dough. Ever thoughtful, she was the type to overprepare "just in case." She will be fondly remembered for her Sicilian favorites, such as arancini, braciole and cardoons. In addition to her cooking, she was an accomplished baker with many specialties, including her delightful Italian cookies. Fran and the entire household tended to a bountiful garden that provided the ingredients for countless family meals.

Aunt Fran was an integral part of her family - a "package deal" - and everyone paid her tremendous respect through the generations. She passed on traditions that still exist today. She had a strong will and a passion for maintaining things. She took great care of both the interior and exterior of her house. When the seasons changed, she was a team worker and helped tend to every detail to keep it in tip top shape and looking lovely.

An early riser, she functioned as if she had a built-in alarm clock. She made sure to stay physically fit. In earlier years, she bowled in different leagues and used the lanes at the iconic Madison Bowling Alley. Fran was also a devoted member of the St. Rosalia Society, which organized lively processions and celebrated the saint with heartfelt homage.

Most of all, Fran honored her Lord with steadfast devotion. She was an active and faithful parishioner of St. Agnes Church, always showing deep respect for her late pastors. When St. Agnes merged with St. Anthony of Padua, she embraced the new faith community with the same commitment and warmth. A believing - and beloved - God-fearing woman, Fran's faith was a cornerstone of her life and an inspiration to all who knew her.

Fran fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Julio Spina, Joseph and Hazel Spina and Gaetana "Donna" and Nicholas Bendino. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Anna Marie Decker (the late Peter Decker), Maria and Paul Devins, Jr., Donna and James DeLaura; Louis Spina; Theresa and Gary Soron and Mary Pat and Emedin Rivera. She also knew the love and blessings of her great-nieces and great-nephews, including Nicole and Giovanni Santiago, Allison and Steven Bolander, Samantha and Thomas Carnright; Nicholas and Jenessa Devins; Dara and Christian Austin, Ryan and Brittany Hughes and Scott and Keely Hughes. She also leaves many great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews whom she adored.

Sincere gratitude is extended to the staff of Cedarbrook at the Sitrin Health Care Center for the memorable and genuine care they provided to Fran. It was clear that they truly loved her and celebrated her life each day. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the staff of the Sequoia Household for their kindness and for ensuring her comfort.

Frances' life was remembered by her family in a private setting. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Frances' Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. from St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions, in Frances' honor, may be made to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) online at www.cabvi.org/; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave., Utica. Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.