Frances E. Bolson

Frances (Fran) Elizabeth Bolson, 97, of Utica, New York, passed away on April 30, 2026, in Ocala, Florida. She was born February 8, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Frank Howard Bennett and Elizabeth Clyde Walker Bennett. Fran was valedictorian of Proctor High School, Class of 1946. She attended Keuka College and Onondaga Community College and graduated from the Excelsior School of Business. She worked as a secretary for the Utica Department of Health, Will and Baumer Candle Company, and the Baldwinsville United Methodist Church. She was also an ordained elder and member of Countryside Presbyterian Church of Ocala Fl. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker. Fran married Philip Layton Bolson on July 19, 1947, and they shared nearly 58 years of marriage. Phil passed away on May 7, 2005. Fran is survived by her three children (twins) Diane E. Thomas and Dororthy E. Henry, and her son David E. Johnson as well as four grandchildren (Britta Nissinen, Zachary Johnson, Zoe Britten, and Alexandra Pacelle), two great-grandchildren (Charli and Jax Britten), and her niece, Alberta Waddell. Fran and Phil retired in 1990 and moved to Saddle Oak Club, a retirement community in Ocala, Florida. Together they taught square dancing for 45 years, and Fran remained an active square dancer for a total of 67 years. She also served her community in many ways, including on the HOA Board of Directors, Editor of the Saddle Oak Club newsletter and as the Sunshine Chairperson. She loved to sing and sang in church choirs for 80 years. Additionally, she participated in drama clubs, water aerobics, bowling, quilting and many other activities. One of Fran’s great joys was running. She began at age 69 and completed her first marathon at 71. She continued running 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons throughout her 70s. Fran’s favorite poem, given to her by her grandmother, was “To Succeed” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. She especially loved the final line: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded.” In every sense, our mom truly succeeded. A celebration of life will be held at Saddle Oak Club on a date to be determined. Fran will be cremated, and her ashes will be entombed with her late husband at Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Roberts of Ocala Funerals and Cremations is handling the arrangements.

Frances E. Bolson

February 8, 1929 - April 30, 2026