Obituary of Irene M. Franklin

Irene Mary Franklin, 94, formerly of Chapman Street, Putnam, died Friday at the Westview Health Care in Dayville, where she had made her home since August 4, 2006. She was the beloved wife of Frederick C. Franklin, they were married in Dudley, MA on August 1, 1936, he died February 27, 1999. She was born December 14, 1914 in Southbridge, MA, daughter of the late frank and Rosalie (Bieda) Cierpich. Irene was employed by the Town of Putnam for twenty five years, her last position was the Food Service Manager of the Putnam School system, she retired in 1977. She later was the Manager and Cook at the Putnam Grammar School. She was a long time member of Congregational Church of Putnam, a member of the Women's Fellowship Group 2; also served as a Deacon, on the Chancel Committee, Mission Committee, a member of the Putnam Inter Church, and served as delegate to the annual conference. She had made her home in Putnam most of her life, and enjoyed her summer residence at Alexander's Lake in Dayville for over 35 years, where she like to swim and bicycle. Irene volunteered many hours at the Putnam Regional Center for project F.I.S.H. She was awarded Woman of the Year by the Putnam Emblem Club. She leaves two sons; Roger Franklin of Putnam, Charles Franklin and his wife Marie of Pomfret Center, sister Rose Vincent of Dudley, MA; eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, a daughter-in-law Suzanne Franklin of Woodstock, a special niece, Barbara Smith and her husband Richard, and several other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Richard Franklin in 2007 and a daughter-in-law Ruth Franklin. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 4, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in the Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main Street, Putnam. Burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Irene's memory to the Memorial Fund, Congregational Church of Putnam, P.O. Box 463, Putnam. To share a memory "Light a candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com.