Frances Madeline Torno

Frances Madeline Torno, age 95, was welcomed home to heaven by her Savior on Tuesday, December 24. She was born on April 27, 1929 to Earl and Grace (Winn) Hooper. She was a hard worker, strong, at times fiercely stubborn, but also generous and kind. Her beautiful blue eyes and bright warm smile are things her family enjoyed seeing and will never forget. We knew she loved us. Although her name was Frances, she preferred to be called “Fran” or “Franny.” Fran attended school only until the eighth grade. She worked in the shoe factory and also lived on a farm for many years of her life. She and her husband, Charlie Torno, would regularly show their steers at the Acton and Fryeburg Fairs. When her health was good, Fran attended the Lebanon–North Berwick Church on Little River Road in Lebanon, Maine. She loved going to church. She sang in the church choir and enjoyed attending the church fellowships where there was always an abundance of desserts. Fran had a sweet tooth. Fran loved country and gospel music. It was frequently playing in her home and her car. She also loved her kitties and her little Sheltie dog, Ginger. Thanksgiving and Christmas were some of her favorite times of the year. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and waiting to see Santa Claus at the end was a tradition. She loved Santa Claus and loved to decorate her house at Christmastime. On, Sunday, December 22, with eyes closed but ears still hearing everything being said, she gave her grandson, Craig, the biggest smile as he said “I love you.” She was surrounded by family that day. As she continued to decline, we knew her sweet interactions with family were a gift from God. She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband, Charlie Torno; ex-husband, Merle Philbrick; and sister, Marjorie Brown. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jones; son, Paul Philbrick; sister, Wilma Davis; grandchildren (Susan Brigham, Sharon Long, Diana Philbrick, and Craig Philbrick), and a great-granddaughter, Courtney Brine. A memorial and graveside service will be held in the spring/summer of 2025.