The Passing of Fran Zigmont

Fran Zigmont, a longtime member of Auraca and contributor to our newsletter, the Auracan, passed away April 19, 2013.  Below is a copy of the obituary in the Binghamton Newspaper.

Zigmont, Frances D. 

Frances D. Zigmont of Binghamton, passed away with courage and with her children by her side on Friday, April 19, 2013 at Wilson Memorial Hospital. She was predeceased by her parents, and her husband of 50 years, Richard Zigmont; also a sister, Margaret Klodowski. She is survived by her devoted son, Joseph A. Zigmont and loving daughter-in-law, Ann Marie, Castle Creek, NY; a most beloved and caring daughter, Diane M. Zigmont, Binghamton; cherished grandchildren, Richard A. Zigmont, Binghamton and Nicole M. Zigmont, NYC. She is also survived by an uncle, Adam Kress and an aunt & uncle, Ann & John Hatala; nephew, Michael (Lisa) Klodowski; nieces, Janet (Don) Kubisa & Marlene (Christopher) Turock, VA; also many cousins including the Kress family and Connie Katunak; many devoted friends, especially Tozia Stacey. Frances was born of July 4, 1927. She was a faithful parishoner of the former St. Christopher's Catholic Church, now the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, since 1950. A native of Johnson City, who graduated the Class of 1945. She was employed 20 years by Fairplay Caramels, of JC, as an office manager. She established the Sunflower Gift Shoppe in 1973 and co-founded the Hill-n-Dale garden club of Chenango Bridge in 1958, and was an honorary charter member. In 2008 she was Honored with 50 years of service to the club. Also an honorary member Emeritus of the Binghamton Garden Club, a member of Auraca Herborists of Cornell Plantations, and a life member of 6th District of NYS Federated garden clubs. Frances was an accomplished gardener, writer, speaker, educator, decorator, and it was her life long passion. She was a former member of the Johnson City and Town of Chenango Senior Citizens and a member of the Widow and Widowers Club of the Southern Tier. Frances was very proud of her Polish heritage and is leaving a small and very much loved family. She was the greatest Mother in the world, and she was ours. The family would like to thank the loving & caring staff of St. Louise Manor and the compassionate staff of Wilson Hospital who took care of her in her last days. A special thanks to Dr. Jerome Mikloucich, Dr. Jonathan Kloss, and Dr. Hisham Kashou. In her memory, expressions of sympathy may be made to any of the following: Broome Oncology for the Angel Fund, St. Louise Manor, or Cornell Plantations.