Frances Theresa Thoresen

LEBANON—Frances Theresa Thoresen, 94, of Lebanon, died Sunday June 22, 2025, at her home.

She was born in Lowell, Mass on January 21, 1931. The daughter of Bernard and Aurore (Delisle) Rourke. She graduated from Lowell High School in June of 1948. Fran chose nursing as her career. She attended The School of Practical Nursing at Tewksbury State Hospital beginning in 1951 and graduated as an LPN in 1953. She was a Foster Parent for Infants from 1960 until the early 1970’s. She cared for over 50 infants until they could be adopted. She continued her career in nursing until her retirement in 1995. She specialized in Geriatric Care before her retirement.

Frances married Richard E. Thoresen on August 15^th 1953. They were married for 55 years. She and Richard suffered the loss of twin boys in 1954. In 1955 they welcomed their son Eric. In 1957 they welcomed their daughter Karen. The family made their home in various towns in Mass. Frances and Richard left Mass in 1981 to live in Lebanon, Maine for their retirement.

Frances and Richard were Antique Dealers. They loved the craftsmanship of Primitive Items and their history. They traveled and participated in Antique Shows in The North East, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Antiquing was a family affair and she enjoyed picking with Eric, Karen and Neil, her son in law. The family loved camping near the coast at Plum Island and all over Mass and Hermit Island in Maine. Frances was a nature and animal lover. She kept vegetable and flower gardens at her homes in both Mass and Maine.

In 1965, her father, Bernard Rourke passed away. In 2001, her mother Aurore (Delisle) Rourke passed away at 102 years of age. In 2008, her husband Richard passed way. In 2019, both her daughter, Karen and her son in law, Neil passed way. Frances was able to live independently at her home in Lebanon with the help of her devoted son, Eric until her death at 94.

Frances is survived by her son Eric and his wife Lisa, of West Newfield, Maine; her cousins Dee Ostergard and family in Bourne Mass; Paul Bradbury of Roseville, California and George and Lisa Bradbury of Royal Palm Beach Florida.

A graveside service will be held at the St. Patrick Cemetery, 1251 Gorham Street, in Lowell, Mass at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 1^st.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a local animal shelter of your choice.