Obituary of Frances S. Bracken

Frances Willis Shrader Bracken, of Irondequoit, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital. Predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Thomas William Bracken, Fran was daughter of Lucien Henry Shrader and Bessie Pauline Shrader. She was born August 30, 1935 and raised in Amherst, VA. Fran is survived by her loving three children: Julie Ann Reitz of Irondequoit; June Elizabeth Bracken of Cumberland, MD; and Thomas Shrader Bracken of Fallston, MD.

Fran was highly active in the lives of her eight loving grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A literature major who graduated from Goucher College in 1957, Fran spent her life helping others; she volunteered faithfully and continually as a reading aide for the students at School 6 in downtown Rochester for more than 40 years. In 2001, Mayor William Johnson held a banquet in her honor for "outstanding efforts to improve the quality of life in the City of Rochester."

She always made a priority of reading the Bible and spending time with God and was a prayer warrior for friends and family. Fran shared her pool, known as "Bracken Lake," freely with friends, neighbors, church families and anyone who needed it. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family at Virginia Beach annually for 60 years.

A memorial service and reception will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church at 3736 St. Paul Blvd on Monday, January 16, beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Young Life or the charity of your choice.