Frances H. Gilmartin

WORCESTER-Frances Helen Gilmartin (Murzycki), 92, of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, surrounded by her family. Frances was born and raised in Webster. She was one of eleven children of the late Roman and Antonia A. (Kalemba) Murzycki. She remained close with her siblings over the years. Frances graduated from Bartlett High School in Webster and attended Worcester Junior College. She was employed by Paul Revere Insurance Company in Auburn, MA, and then the College of the Holy Cross, until she married John A. Gilmartin in November,1955. After staying home to raise her family of six children, Frances returned to work for the Worcester Public Schools as an administrative assistant.  

Frances was a long time and active member of Our Lady of the Angels Parish and the St. Agnes Women’s Guild of Worcester. She participated in many activities with friends at both places. Frances enjoyed cooking, gardening, and playing cards with friends. She loved hosting gatherings with her large family at home in Worcester or at the family beach house in Narragansett, RI. She was lovingly known as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frances was very proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but wonderful, 

happy memories.

Frances is survived by one sister, Rosie Rekowski of Webster. She is also survived by her four sons, John K. Gilmartin of Worcester; James Gilmartin and his wife Bette of Yarmouth Port; Jerry Gilmartin and his wife Kris of Sarasota, Florida; and Joseph Gilmartin and his wife Paula of Narragansett, RI, and her two daughters, Jean Gilmartin of Jupiter, Florida and Judy Anderson and her husband Burke of Hopkinton.  She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Jill Mitchell (Nick), James (Holly Kennedy), Colin (Jenny Osborne), Kara, Kelsey, Emily, Brendon, Meghan, Kaitlyn and Ryan, six great grandchildren, Bette, Rosie, Rowan, Lucien, Willa and Frances.

Frances was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, John “Jack” Gilmartin. She was also preceded by six brothers, Peter, Walter, Edward, John, Louis, and Joseph Murzycki, and three sisters, Michaeline “Nellie” DiRoberto, Jennie Leo and Stasia Murzycki.

Over her last year, Frances was lovingly cared for by a wonderful home health care staff of Eileen Stupik, Elizabeth, Emmah, Gertrude, Rose, Jane, Judy and Miriam from hospice care. The Gilmartin family gives them all their greatest and warmest gratitude.

All are welcome to celebrate her life on Wednesday, March 08, 10:00 AM, Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester.  Burial to follow at St. John's Cemetery, Cambridge Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, 01608