Obituary of Frances M. Wurtz

A memorial service for Frances M. Wurtz, who passed away February 18, 2021, will be held Friday (June 4, 2021) at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Olean. Friends are invited to attend. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery. Allegany, NY Frances Marie Wurtz, 96, passed away February 18, 2021 at The Pines of Olean in the company of family. Born on August 18, 1924 in Allegany, she was the daughter of John and Katherine Soderstrom Salmonson. On January 31, 1949 in Olean she married her loving husband of 60 years, Lloyd Edward Wurtz, who predeceased her August 6, 2009. Frances graduated from Allegany High School in 1941 and took great joy in attending alumni reunions through her 95th year. She dedicated her younger years to lovingly raising her four children. She found happiness in nurturing young people; she and Lloyd fostered many children throughout the years, hosted the same child through the Fresh-Air Program for 12 years, and opened their home to international students attending St. Bonaventure University and to others who preferred a home setting for their studies. An active member of First Presbyterian Church of Olean for over 60 years, she was an active volunteer well into her eighties supporting the efforts of her church and community. She was a gifted baker, sewed innumerable gifts of children’s clothing and holiday costumes, had a love for cooking, camping, traveling and playing games of all sorts. She loved her family as much as a person could, and worked constantly to make this plainly evident. Holiday gatherings at her home were times most treasured by herself and all her (often many) guests. A visit began with warm food and warmer hugs, regardless of arrival time. Delicious meals, plentiful stories and losing hands of pinochle were guaranteed. A visit with Frances was a chance to feel at home and be family. She was employed as a cashier for A & P Tea Company and for Leo’s Market for many years.Until her passing, with the exception of a few years, she lived her entire life within 50 yards of the home where she was born. Frances will always be remembered for her loving, warm, and positive spirit and her deep commitment to her family, her many friends of all ages, and to those in need. She is survived by her children, Pamela ( Kevin) Jones of Surprise, AZ, Cynthia (Robert) Cranor of Ellijay, GA, David (Alison) Wurtz of Port Ewen, NY, and Thomas (Pamela) Wurtz of Vero Beach, FL; 13 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers Arnold, “Bill” (John), and Charles and 1 grandson, Joshua. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com