Obituary of Frances Marion Yorks

Brewer--Frances Marion Yorks (Kilburn) died peacefully in Brewer, ME on August 7, 2020 at the age of 93. Fran was born on December 13, 1926 in Machias, Maine to parents Frank Kilburn and Dena (Bell) Kilburn. She graduated from Machias High School and married Stewart Yorks, an Army Air Corps pilot and educator, in 1946. Fran and Stew lived most of their lives in Barrington, Rhode Island where Fran worked at the Barrington Times and also as a school librarian. In retirement Fran and Stew returned to Fran’s home state of Maine and lived for many years in Otisfield where they had long owned a cabin on the Crooked River. Many happy times with family and friends were enjoyed there. After Stew passed away, Fran lived in Rhode Island for a period before returning to the Bangor area in 2016. Fran enjoyed reading, movies, knitting, cooking, shopping, and spending time with family, friends and neighbors. She was close with her sister, Mary Ellis, and they would correspond almost every day. After retiring, Fran volunteered at the public library in Harrison, Maine, and also with the Episcopal Church consignment shop in Barrington, RI. Fran will be remembered for her dry sense of humor, her brightly colored wardrobe, her ever-painted fingernails and her good company. Sitting next to Fran at a social function, you’d never know what commentary she’d surprise you with. We will all miss you Grammy. She was predeceased by daughter Dena Marie Yorks; husband Stewart C. Yorks; sister Mary Ellis Lucey. Frances is survived by son Jeffery Yorks; daughter-in-law Kathleen Yorks; grandchildren Adam Yorks and partner Isabel Mattia, Derek Yorks and partner Michele Christle, Liza Yorks and partner Mike Cotter; great grandchildren Aloysius and Gloria Yorks-Christle, and Presley and Seraphina Cotter. The family would like to thank the staff of Woodlands Memory Care in Brewer, ME (especially the Woodlands cat, who frequently slept on Fran’s bed), as well as Beacon Hospice for their tender care. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Barrington, RI. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 191 County Rd., Barrington, RI 02806. Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer, ME.