Published in the November 18, 2016 edition
SAUGUS — L. Frances (Neal) Stickney, 93, a resident of Saugus, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 10.
Frances was born in Saugus on Jan. 17, 1923, one of five children of the late Charles and Ada (Hooper) Neal.
Raised in Saugus, Frances graduated from Saugus High School with the Class of 1941 and raised her own family in Saugus. Frances was married on April 11, 1947 to Alwyn E. Stickney and together they had three sons. Frances worked for General Electric for several years during World War II and later worked for several years as a secretary for local insurance agencies around Saugus and Melrose.
Frances’ life centered on her family and her church. She was a longtime, active member of the Church of the Nazarene in Melrose. She and Al enjoyed spending summer weekends camping with their church friends in Rumney, N.H.
At home in Saugus, she enjoyed hosting family and friends and always wanted to look her best. She loved shopping, especially for new shoes or a new bag to match.
In her free time at home, she enjoyed playing the piano and organ.
An independent, strong woman, she did her best to provide a loving yet structured home for her family of three sons. She was a loyal friend who maintained several long term friendships throughout her life. Most of all, Frances loved being with her family and especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren.
Frances was the beloved wife of the late Alwyn E. “Al” Stickney with whom she shared 55 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Wayne P. Stickney and his wife Linda of Naples, Fla., Gary N. Stickney and his wife Tristy of Reading and Bradley S. Stickney and his wife Barbara of Rockland. She was the dear sister of Paul Neal of Kentucky, Alden Neal of New York, Lorraine Christie of Florida and the late Milicent White. She was the cherished grandmother Peter Stickney, Erin Vogel, Scott Stickney, Sarah Stickney, Kathryn Stack, Amanda Medeiros, Laura Russell and the late Shawn Stickney. She was the loving great-grandmother of Nathaniel, Joey, Naomi, Sara, Gianna, Tyler, Shawn, Emma, Luke, Evan, and of one great-great grandson, Nicholas.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Frances’ life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 2 to 6 p.m., and for her funeral service at the Church of the Nazarene, 2 Short St., Melrose celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m.
Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
