Frances J. McClure

Frances Jean McClure, 85, passed after a short illness on September 25, 2024, at Calais Community Hospital. She was born in Tiverton, Nova Scotia on January 3,1939, she was the oldest of 10 children of Raymond and Rebecca (Robbins) Murphy. 

Frances grew up on Pine Street in Stephen and graduated from St. Stephen High School In 1957 and then went on to receive her certificate in Stenography and Bookkeeping from the Holy Rosary Commercial School in 1958. Frances and Paul married in St. Stephen on May 24, 1958. Frances then moved to Calais and became a naturalized citizen. Frances always said everyplace she worked she closed down, she worked at Madeline’s Restaurant, Hathaway Shirt, Norwalk Shoe and the Buccaneer Duty Free.

Frances interests included sewing for anybody that needed something stitched, attending high school basketball and softball games, touring the St. Croix valley on both sides of the border with her friend Mary McDonald looking for the best fish and chips available. Frances was so looking forward to casting her vote in the November election (Don’t forget to Vote!). In her earlier years, Frances and Paul enjoyed their camp on Cathance Lake, entertaining family and friends. She later moved to the Methodist Homes where she made many new friends and made sure to always feed Harriet and Rachel their breakfast and supper.

Frances had recently enjoyed a trip back to Nova Scotia with her daughters to revisit her birthplace of Tiverton. She enjoyed taking trips to Florida, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., New York, and Nova Scotia with friends and family. Frances was a member of the Second Baptist Church, where she enjoyed her Sunday services.

She is survived by her three children, Gail Cleary (Bob) of Houlton, David (Dawn) of Marion, and Brenda Batson (Donovan) of Calais. Six grandchildren, Ben, Alicia, Anthony, Annajean, Nicole and Kasey and 7 great grandchildren, Riley, Bree, Ava, Jacob, Taylor, Lily and Violet. Her brothers Tony Murphy, Gary Murphy, Sisters Marlene (Rondo)Thomas, Marilyn Ilton, and sister- in-laws Annie (Harold) and Mary (Darrell). Several Nieces and Nephews. Frances was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Paul, son - in- law Walter Batson III and her brothers Harold, Darrell, Randy and Peter; a sister Joyce; Brother and Sister in laws Jim and Betty McClure and Carleton and Carolyn Sprague.

Special Thanks to Teresa Hollingdale, Madge Gibson and Mary McDonald for comforting Frances in her final days. Your love and compassion is truly appreciated.

Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Calais Cemetery. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home.