Obituary of Frances McGourty

Frances was born on July 2, 1938, the eleventh of twelve children born to Philip and Mary Dolan. They lived in Dowra, a small town along the Shannon River in County Cavan, Ireland. Frances was a loving child and grew up to be an adventurous young lady. She would often sneak out to the dances with her older siblings. Frances traveled with some of her sisters to England to obtain work, but would visit Dowra as often as possible. Eventually, Frances returned to Dowra and fell in love with Michael. They were married and the rest is history... or her story. The birth of their first daughter, Anna, was the begining of their family. However, Ireland was not the place Frances saw herself settling down. In 1964, Frances, Michael and Anna ventured across the Atlantic to New York City. As the flight touched down, Frances thought the city was on fire as she had never seen so many lights. Their new residence was to be in Washington Heights. During the Summer of 1965, the arrival of a second daughter, Teresa, had the family moving to a Superintendents job at 256 Seaman Avenue. This was home and Frances was pleased. In 1972, after a bumpy car ride to the Bronx, daughter number three, Eileen, was born. The Stoop at "256" was the spot where many conversations were held with Frances. Anyone who wanted to talk or just rest was welcome. Free therapy sessions were the norm on the stoop as you could confide in her and know your secrets were safe. There was never a filtered conversation and anything that came out of Frances' mouth was exactly how she felt, curses and all. This was a quality that was appreciated by many. Mind you, she did love gossip. Frances was true to her friends of all ages. Young and old would flock to her as she always had warmth and tenderness to offer. Anyone that has come in contact with Frances was left with a lasting impression. Frances often said, "they'll have to carry me out in a box from here" when asked if she would ever move from 256 Seaman Avenue. Sadly, the Riverdale Funeral home did just that on July 10, 2011. Frances lived a full, happy life and left this world peacefully but on her terms. As in life, her loving and dedicated daughters were with her when she took her last breath. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she will live on through stories, pictures, and the love we were blessed to receive from her. The neighborhood will not be the same without Frances. There is no doubt Frances will be standing on Heaven's stoop, watching, guiding, and loving us as she always did. There will be a Memorial Mass Celebrated on Saturday July 16, 2011 at The Good Shepherd RC Church in the Inwood Section of Manhattan at 1PM.