WEST GARDINER – Frances Quintal, 90, passed away in her sleep Aug. 26, 2022 at her home in West Gardiner where she lived for over 60 years. Her loving and devoted children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren surrounded her in love and will greatly miss her. However, all know that she will be at peace and in the arms of the love of her life (George/Dad/Grandpa Q) once again.

Frances was born on June 23, 1932 in Chelsea, the daughter of Clinton Sr. and Tresa (Sidelinger) Cunningham. At just 17 years old, Frances met George at the Windsor Fair in the fall of 1949. They were married in Hallowell on May 10, 1950 and celebrated over 60 years of marriage (prior to George’s passing in 2011). They lived most of their years together in their West Gardiner home that George built. George and Frances enjoyed spending time with family, camping, playing cards, and attending country western dances. In their 60s-70s they would often leave a dance and go to Brownie’s in Pittston for their favorite fried clams. On a few occasions, they would drive to Cadillac Mountain (with friends) to see the sunrise.

Frances enjoyed many types of gambling from horse racing to casinos and scratch tickets. She and George were excited to vacation to Las Vegas, Nev. three times. She and her daughter, Elaine, were always travel/adventure companions. They loved to visit New England casinos, countless diners and gas stations to buy scratch tickets along the way. They also went to see her youngest grandchild having fun at various themes parks including Disney World. She embraced technology as another way to connect with her family. She enjoyed Facebook, writing emails using Skype and how to text in the last few months.

Frances devoted her life to raising her seven children and extended family. She considered her family to be her biggest success in life. Mom/Gram Q was always there to help her children in any way she could. She brought them up with a foundation of love and respect for others. Her extreme grief over the passing of her husband was eased by the welcoming of an additional grandchild and several new great-grandchildren. She could not contain her pride when telling others of her healthy and happy family. She loved it when her grandchildren would stop by after school for a homemade snack and a game of cards. She often played the role of nurse for her grandchildren when they stayed home sick from school. Miraculously, there were times when they started feeling better the minute they arrived at her home.

Frances loved having company, and always had a bowl of candy on the kitchen table for everyone to enjoy. Although she lived alone for many years, she was never truly alone with her cherished cat, GrayC by her side.

Frances loved cooking and could never get used to cooking for one. In recent years she would search the internet for new recipes to try and would make enough to provide generous portions to several families. Her specialties like seafood chowder and pork pie could never be improved by new recipes.

Frances recorded TV programs and saved them for when family visited. She would pick contestants she liked on “The Voice” and often had success determining the winners. She liked cooking shows and “American Pickers” which reminded her of days when weekly estate auctions were held at her home.

After George’s passing Frances was determined to keep the family home and property well maintained (to his standards). For many years, she continued to do the yardwork that she always had done. She also picked up the task of lawnmowing and other chores that he had done. She took pride in her vegetable and flower gardens, and often received many compliments from neighbors and friends. She also loved feeding and watching birds from her living room picture window.

For many years Frances planned reunions each summer and at Christmas for her immediate family which grew to more than 60. As the family grew, the gatherings had to be moved to a rented hall. She made sure there was an abundance of great food, gift exchanging, and time for catching up with each family. All looked forward to her thoughtful gifts, including a food basket for each family which included her signature Chex Mix and many other homemade treats. A wonderful time was always had by all.

Although Frances was fiercely independent, she agreed to accept help from family in her late 80s. She often said it took her seven kids to fill the jobs she and George had done for so many years.

Frances was predeceased by her husband, George (2011); and her two sisters and three brothers, Virginia Allen, Clinton Cunningham Jr., Kenneth Cunningham, Arlene Trytek, and Lloyd Cunningham. With so much loss, she felt fortunate to enjoy her relationship with her beloved sister-in-law, Ruth Cunningham (both in their 90s).

Frances is survived by her four sons and three daughters, George Quintal Jr. of West Gardiner, Glen Quintal and wife Bonnie of Millinocket, Gary Quintal and wife Maria of West Gardiner, Elaine Willey and husband Chuck of West Gardiner, Gerry Quintal and wife Kathleen of West Gardiner, Arlene Snow and husband Greg of Pittston, and Lisa Morton and husband Jeff of Upton, Mass.; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren Josiah Quintal; Sarah Quintal Lavalle, her husband Paul and children Jacob and Kaitlyn; Susie Quintal Romano, husband Brandon and sons Lukas, Vinnie, and Domenic; Allan Quintal his wife Rebecca and their children Ashley and Zachary; Heather Quintal and her partner Christopher Poulin; Megan Quintal Antworth and husband William; Aaron Quintal his wife Shannon and sons George, Abraham, Dexter, and Edison; Cassie Quintal and her partner Noel Foss; Candy Willey Goggin, husband Sean and their daughters Kallie and Kiara; Charley Willey his wife Katie and their children Titus, Liam, and Jedidiah, Marisol, Deacon, and Beatrice; Derrick Quintal wife Alyssa and children Wyatt, Mayzie Grace, and Emily; Joe Tourtelotte wife Haley and son Milo and Maren; Abby Snow and husband Dustin Gray; Eben Snow and wife Katie and sons Finn and Oliver; and her special Vivien Frances Morton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Chelsey Warren, mom’s hairdresser, and Paula Murphy. The care and support of the hospice team was remarkable, and will always be remembered.

Frances requested no services. Burial will be in the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, where both George’s and her ashes will be buried in a double urn.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu, of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice.

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