Frances M. (Hocker) Johnson

Frances M. (Hocker) Johnson, 97, of Worcester, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 11, 2023.

She was born February 28, 1926 in Worcester, the daughters of Maria J. (Carrigan) Hocker whose parents were immigrants from Ireland in the late 1800s.

Frances was pre-deceased by her husband Arthur C. Johnson, in 1995. She also lost her loving daughter Susan E. Reed in 1991. She was predeceased by her siblings Edward, Evelyn, and James Hocker.

Frances leaves her four children, Robert A. Johnson and his wife Eileen, Dianne M. O’Connell and her husband Michael, Steven J. Johnson and his wife Norma, and Pamela M. Joubert and her husband Michael. Frannie Grannie also leaves 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Franny was born in Worcester to Maria (Carrigan) Hocker. She attended St. Paul’s and lived in Worcester all of her life.

Frances worked in healthcare until she retired at the age of 88. She finished her career in the activities department at Autumn Village Nursing Home. Frances was given the key to the city on three separate occasions.

Mom’s travel included Rio de Janeiro, Jamaica, and Las Vegas in her younger years. She loved going on vacation with her children and grandchildren to Hampton Beach, and Old Orchard Beach every summer. Her most recent trip just last year was to Florida with her son Steven and his wife Norma. The memories go on and on. Her cruise with family to Bermuda found mom dancing to the wee hours of the morning, having everyone join her on the dance floor.

She attended all of her grandchildren’s sports events and dance recitals. She was an avid fan of all Boston professional sports teams. Foxwoods, bingo and scratch tickets were favorites of hers too!

Her greatest achievements in life were her children and grandchildren Her sense of humor and her zest for life made her the life of the party. She was quick to inform you “age is only a number” and that she was 100% Irish!

Calling hours for Frances will be Thursday, March 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a service in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. Burial will follow immediately in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

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