Frances Knowles Obituary (1918 - 2009)

MANCHESTER - Frances E. Knowles, 91, of Manchester died Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, after a brief illness. She was born in Bath on June 11, 1918, the daughter of Harry C. Sr. and Lillian A. (Warner) Farrington. Frances was educated in the schools of Bath and, in November 1933, married Herman M. Knowles. They were married for 52 years, until his death in July 1985. Mrs. Knowles was employed at Hallowell Shoe but for most of her life worked alongside her husband as co-owner and operator of Knowles Poultry farm in Manchester. Mrs. Knowles was a past member of the Manchester Fire Department Auxiliary, where she served several years as president. Mrs. Knowles attended Manchester Community Church and was a member of the Senior Citizens Get Together Club of Augusta. Frances was predeceased by three sisters, Marguerite Dube, Mary Knowles and Virginia Labbe; two brothers, Harry C. Farrington Jr. and Carl Farrington; and by a son-in-law, Ralph Austin. Survivors include her son, Herman M. Knowles Jr. and his wife, Diane, of Manchester; a daughter, Phyllis E. Austin, of Mesquite, Nev.; a brother, Norman Farrington Sr. and his wife, Gerry, of Gray; a sister, Laura Dulac, of Augusta; a sister-in-law, Everil Farrington; six grandchildren, Esther Wells, Diane Libby, Grant Knowles, Carl Knowles, Leslie Smith and Evonne Meader; 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews. A family visitation will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. A graveside celebration of Frances' life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Manchester Forks Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Knowles family farm, 199 Meadow Hill Road in Manchester. Those wishing may make memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, Northern New England Region, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. The family would like to thank their dear friends at Berry and Berry Floral for their patient and compassionate assistance in the selection of floral tributes. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneral homes.com.