Frances D. Milionis

PAXTON-Frances Dorothy (Long) Milionis passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. Born October 29, 1946 to loving parents Edward J. and Marion R. (Kehoe) Long, Frances was the sixth of their eight children.

She is predeceased by her beloved son Joseph Milionis; brothers Edward J. Long and his wife Maryanne E. (Horgan); James D. Long, and John W. Long; sister Maryellen (Long) Hebert; niece Mary (Long) Gould; great-nieces Kristen Gould and Emily Long; and father- and mother-in-law Stavros and Lamprini Milionis.

Frances, or "Frannie" as she was lovingly known, is survived by her husband George of 53 years; her six children: sons Michael E. Milionis; Stephen A. Milionis and his wife Andrea; Keefe J. Milionis and his partner Melissa Rose; Nicholas P. Milionis; Andrew G. Milionis and his fiancé Laura Crotty; and her only daughter Deirdre A. (Milionis) Mitchell and her husband Benjamin. She was "Nana" to her six precious grandchildren: Molly, Madeline, Sidney, Max, Jake, and Cameron. She also leaves behind her dear siblings: sisters Kathleen A. (Long) Laperle and her husband Paul A.; Arlene E. Long; brother Paul M. Long and his wife Kathleen A.; sisters-in-law Elizabeth A. Long and Gloria V. Long; and a brother-in-law Roy Hebert, III as well as many treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and her loyal cat, Socrates.

After graduating from St. Peter's high school, Frances worked at Travelers Insurance and then Sullivan Garritty Insurance. It was at the College of the Holy Cross, Office of Financial Aid, however, that she truly thrived. There, she made a career for herself, many lifelong friends, and had a wonderful rapport with the students, for whom she was a "mom" to many. She was the 2008 recipient of the Claire B. Burns Award for having demonstrated, fostered and promoted the spirit of family, which is a treasured characteristic of the Holy Cross community and an honor that meant so much to her. Though she retired in 2009 after more than 20 years, the College always held a special place in her heart.

Frances was full of the best Irish and Greek traditions, a creative soul, animal lover, gardening aficionado, dedicated follower of fashion, avid movie goer–especially "sci-fi" films–and enjoyed mass at Blessed Sacrament Church where she was a longtime member and raised her children. In her retirement, she often volunteered at the Mary Queen of the Rosary Food Pantry in Spencer that her sister Kathleen and good friends organized.

With an unwavering faith, Frances strove to bring good into the world through small but meaningful acts of kindness done with great love. Because of this, she made new friends wherever she went. Her happiest times were spent with her children and grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything in the world; they will always be her pride and joy.

Frannie's pure heart, warmth, and sweet disposition will leave an unfillable gap in the hearts of those who love her. Always the life of the party, she will be forever remembered for her sense of humor, playful sarcasm, and quick wit; strength and resilience; endearing smile and beautiful, blue eyes. She had a spark that could never be dimmed.

Frances's family and friends will gather to honor her memory on Friday, May 12 at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester, with a calling hour from 9:30 to 10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant St, Worcester at 11am. Burial will be in Moreland Cemetery.