NEW MILFORD - Frances Genevieve (Benham) McClure, 86, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2021 surrounded by family at her home in New Milford, CT. She was the beloved wife of the late Andrew P. McClure.
Fran was born in Bridgeport, CT on December 3, 1934 to the late Frank Sr. "George" and Jean (Dubor) Benham. She grew up in Stratford, CT and graduated from Stratford High School in 1953. Right after graduation, she married the love of her life, Andy, who had joined the Marine Corps. They moved together to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where they started their family. Soon after, they settled in Milford, CT and raised their family. Fran worked in the manufacturing industry while Andy worked as a firefighter for the town of Milford. Upon retirement, they moved to Florida where they resided in Port Charlotte for many years. During the summer months, Fran and Andy would return to enjoy the New England summers on "The Farm" in Wallingford, CT. Later in life, Fran and her sister Janet moved back to Connecticut to live in New Milford at Chestnut Grove.
Fran was known for her kindness, her generous spirit, her infectious smile, and her playful sense of humor. She enjoyed camping, music, and spending time by the ocean. Often you could find her crafting, playing her organ, or enjoying an evening in front of a campfire/fireplace. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was known as "Grams" or "GiGi." She will be dearly missed by those who knew her.
Fran is survived by: daughter Kim Mansfield of Meriden, CT; son Daniel (Anne) McClure of Centerville, OH; daughter Jean (Dean) Hall of Wallingford, CT; granddaughters Kelly (Bob Lohrenz) Fritz of Wallingford, CT; Eileen (John) Norwood of St. Petersburg, FL; Janelle (Brian) Neves of Meriden, CT; and Melissa Hall of Medford, MA; grandsons Justin Hall of Wallingford, CT; and Brian McClure of Las Vegas, NV; great granddaughters Jordyn, and Agnes; great grandsons Ian, Cooper, and Liam; sister Janet Scott of New Milford, CT; sister-in-law Lois Benham of Murrells Inlet, SC; and several nieces and nephews.
Fran is predeceased by: husband Andrew McClure; son Andrew McClure Jr.; son-in-law James Mansfield; grandson Ian McClure; and brother Frank Benham.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 3:30pm at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford, Connecticut located at 273 South Elm Street; there will be no calling hours. The service will be followed by a private family gathering. Those who wish to attend the service are asked to gather at the funeral home immediately prior to the start. In lieu of flowers, please take a friend or loved one out for lunch.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Frances Genevieve (Benham) McClure, please visit our floral store.