Frances T. Morton

Frances T. Morton, age 94, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home on County Road 132 on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Fran was born in Shrub Oak, New York on January 25, 1928, a daughter of the late William and Edna (Tice) Hildenbrand. While growing up, her father’s job required the family to move often and led her to attend many different school districts. Even with the lack of consistency, she graduated as Valedictorian from Cherry Valley Central School, an accomplishment she proudly reflected on throughout life.

Following graduation, she worked as a nurse’s aide at Cooperstown Hospital, where she met and later married James A. Morton on 11/8/1946. The couple and their growing family lived in Middlefield, NY with James’ mother until they saved enough money to build their first home in Esperance, NY in the early 1950s. Years later, in 1967, James’ career took him from the Schenectady Army Depot to the Seneca Army Depot, and the couple purchased a farm on the southern end of Ovid, NY where they planted roots and remained for the rest of their lives. In retirement, they wintered in Cape Coral, FL near Fran’s younger sister.

Looking back over her life, Fran could best be described as a compassionate caregiver within her home and community. She and James had eight children and Fran lovingly devoted her days and nights to raising them. As her daughters grew, she was very proud to volunteer as a Girl Scout leader, helping to shape young girls' futures in the local community. Once the children were grown, Fran continued her passion for giving by volunteering at the Ovid Thrift Shop and working as a private caregiver for several elderly clients in the Ovid and Interlaken area. Once retired, Fran became the primary caregiver for many of her grandchildren, always ready with a full container of vanilla and chocolate cookies, milk, and hugs to spare.

Fran was a devoted supporter to many human and animal rights funds. In her later years, her home was filled with blankets, calendars, and other thank you gifts that she received for her ongoing generosity. She was proud to be a member of the Town of Middlefield Historical Association and most enjoyed contributing to their Veteran memorial fund.

She is survived by her children; Marilyn (Richard) Forbes of Delanson, NY, Sandra (George) Denmark of Interlaken, Pamela (Douglas) Mount of Ovid, Francine (Elmore) Lawyer of Howes Cave, NY, Marvin (Lori) Morton and Jennifer (Donald) Granger, all of Ovid, 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, her sisters; Doris “Dubby” Degoski of Cape Coral, FL and Lois “Tilly” Bloomer of Hermon, ME. Fran was preceded in death by her sons; James A. Morton Jr. and William A Morton, and by her husband, James A Morton Sr. and by her siblings, John A. and Marion Hildenbrand and Helen Dibble.

At her request, a private graveside service for close family will be held at Ovid Union Cemetery. On Friday, June 24, 2022 from 5:00-7:00pm, the family invites friends to a Celebration of Life at the Interlaken Sportsmen’s Club.

Kindly consider a donation in Fran’s memory to: Pathway Home of the Finger Lakes, PO Box 516, Seneca Falls, NY 13148 or Rochester Regional Health Foundations (Hospice), 330 Monroe Avenue, Suite 400, Rochester, NY 14607.