Frances Evelyn (Bingham) Perry was born on June 24, 1924 in Portland, Maine, the daughter of the late Harry A. Horton and Agnes E. McGibney of Cape Elizabeth. Frances graduated from Portland High School in 1942. She was very fond of mentioning that ‘the class of ’42 was the last PHS class that ALL the graduating young women wore white gowns for their graduation ceremony.
’ Frances worked many manufacturing jobs in her lifetime, included Cushman Bakery, Jordan Meats, and Healthtex. She happily retired in 1984 after her 20 year employment with Fairchild National Semi-Conductor (Schlumberger) where she was promoted from working the lines to becoming a supervisor. Early in her retirement, Frances volunteered and worked for Meals on Wheels.
Frances was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and active in many functions at the South Portland VFW chapter 832 for many years. After moving to Portland’s Franklin Towers, Frances loved watching the ships come into the Portland Harbor from her window, volunteered on various committee’s and participated in the trips offered by PHA. Frances loved playing cards, cooking unique dishes, picture puzzles, crossword puzzles, sewing, reading and traveling.
In addition to loving her family she cherished her cat ‘Honey’. Family gatherings were always very special to her and she planned all year for Christmas. She took pride in giving family and friends her tins full of her Christmas candy specialty; ‘Cashew Brittle’.
Frances was always willing to try something new with gusto. During her residency at Falmouth by the Sea, Frances was one of the very first to try out the Portland Wheelers; who have adapted bicycles with wheelchairs in order to provide an outdoor riding experience for people. She delighted in riding the adapted bicycle with the ‘wheelers’ throughout Falmouth Foreside and her enthusiasm encouraged other residents to participate.
She also was able to set up a bird feeding station in front of her window, and this provided her with numerous hours of enjoyment watching not only the birds, but also the chipmunks, squirrel and even a daring raccoon try to get at the bird seed. She loved the gardens and sitting on patio watching the boats arrive and leave their moorings. Wherever Frances lived she often identified as “The Purple Lady” due to her lifelong obsession with wearing many shades of Purple.
Fran always retained her ‘Maine’ sense of humor, sassiness and the ability to frankly express her down to earth opinions. Personality traits that she took great pride in inheriting from her Mother, ‘Aggie’ and loved it when one of her children or grandchildren displayed the same. At the same time, she was kind to others and donated as much as possible to Animal Shelter and causes that helped those in need.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her younger sister Virginia E. Horton; and husbands Ross E. Bingham, Master Chief, U.S. Navy; Billy H Peck, Sgt. U.S. Army; and Henry L. Perry, Sgt. U.S. Army.
Frances is survived by her three children, Carolyn L. Donnell, and partner Joseph M. Karkos, Dawna V. Jones and husband Henry Jones, MSgt. U.S. Army (ret. ), William R. Peck and wife Katherine; seven Grandchildren; Carrie L. Galgano and husband James, Allen R. Butler and wife Heather, James S. Butler, Victoria J. Bonura and husband Joseph DPM, Kenneth A. Richardson, William R. Peck Jr. and wife Cathy, Travis L. Peck; ten Great Grandchildren: Brandon L. Skelton and wife Alyssa, Elise M., Dylan M., and Sierra R. Galgano, Derek A. Fahey and wife Danielle, Rachel A. Panfil and husband Thomas, Stephan Danes, Jacqueline and Alana Richardson, Logan S. Peck and two great, great grandchildren; Eleanor R. Fahey and Alyssa-Jean Bernice Panfil.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent and compassionate care from the staff of Falmouth by the Sea and the hospice staff of Compassus. While at FBTS she often praised staff by saying “the people here are good people”. Her remaining days were filled with their loving care and this provided solace to all of us.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday June 1, 2018 at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress St., Portland.
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