Frances Jane Hahn

Frances Jane Hahn

Frances Jane Hahn, a nurse who loved to quilt and to travel, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the loving care of her husband of 75 years, Harold. She was 95.

She was born to Dorothy and William Gooler of Grassy Point, New York in April of 1930.

“Fran led an active life in employment, social and civic endeavors,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She was employed as a registered nurse at numerous hospitals, the last being Saint Clare’s in Schenectady. She then finished her working career, retiring from New York State Employee Health services.

“Fran was a Cub Scout den mother, 4H leader, leader of Strong Bones Exercise for over 20 years, member of Gifford Grange and New York State Grange, member of Guilderland Library Book Discussion Group, associate member of the Altamont Fair, Guilderland Seniors Quilt Group Nimblefingers, Voorheesville Village Quilter, and Quilts.

“Many of Fran’s quilts have been donated to the needy. Family members lucky enough to have one enjoy the warmth and love put into each one.

“Fran always looked forward to the Altamont Fair where she would be involved in staffing the one-room schoolhouse and activities involving the Grange building and Grange restaurant.

“Fran and Harold eloped and were married in New York City on Sept. 10, 1950. Their early years were spent moving their family between states due to Harold’s engineering work. Upon arriving in Rotterdam, New York, they decided this was their last move.

“Harold and Fran set down permanent roots in 1967 after buying a farm on Settles Hill in Dunnsville. When they first toured the farm before purchase, Fran didn’t understand the brown stepping stones in the fields were actually ‘frozen cow pies.’

“Fran, Harold, and family worked for years to rehab the 200-year-old farmhouse and farm. Neighbors Everett and Peg Rau, Viola and Earl Grey along with Helen and Don Otterness helped make them transition from being city folks to a farm family.

“Sons Willy and Rob started raising dairy replacements and Black Angus beef cattle. Much to Fran’s relief, Harold decided to transition to raising sheep, as they were much easier to see and chase at night. The farm’s final transition to Pretty Penny Tree Farm brought many happy local Christmas tree buyers to the farm.

“Fran and Harold loved to travel and visited many countries including England, Ireland, Costa Rica, China, and Cuba.

“Fran always liked the Costa Rican interpretation of ‘Pura Vida.’ One of her last lines was about her regrets, ‘I have a few but not worth mentioning.’”

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Frances Jane Hahn is survived by the “Love of Her Life” Harold E. Hahn; her son, Robert (Kate) Hahn; her daughter, Jane (David) Chamberland; her grandson, Keenen (Kirstie )Hahn; and her great-grandsons, Hayden and Hudson.

She is also survived by her brothers, Steven (Linda) Gooler Anthony Gooler, and by her sister, Christine Dugan, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Dorothy and William Gooler, died before her, as did her son, William, and her sister, Dorothy.

At her request, there will be no service. Her remains will be placed at a later date, next to her son, William, in the Guilderland Cemetery.

The family thanks “Eddie Home Care for wound-care support and Capitol District Community Hospice along with Grace Cossac for their wonderful care and support during this past month.”

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