TURECEK, FRANCES MARY (TICHY)

Frances Mary (Tichy) Turecek, age 90, of Orange, was welcomed into heaven by Jesus and her heavenly family and friends on July 5, 2018. She died peacefully on her own terms at home in the presence of those who loved her. She was born on March 8, 1928 in Shelton to Joseph Tichy and Frances Zak Tichy. She graduated from Shelton schools, and was the wife of the late Emil Joseph Turecek, who she married on June 12, 1948. An entrepreneur before her time, Fran was instrumental in supporting and encouraging the business aspirations not only of her immediate family but others as well. She loved her job as Corporate Secretary of Stelray Products in Ansonia for 27 years. Bored with retirement, she continued to work as a bookkeeper in West Haven until the age of 81. A caregiver herself, she took care of her mother until her mother’s passing, her husband during his long battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, and her daughter Peggy who was ill for many years and passed in 2009. Franny had an easy laugh, loved a good recipe ( famous for her “smashed chicken”), and was always grateful for the smallest kindness. She was a generous and thoughtful gift giver and enjoyed shopping and looking sharp. Fran was proud of those who served our country, honoring and thanking veterans each holiday. She loved her family, her wide circle of friends, entertaining at the pool, and hosting parties and Holidays. She enjoyed day trips, and playing craps at the casino (which she did until she was 89). She was smart, stylish, and witty, often adding funny stick figures to her greeting cards. Fran is survived by her daughters Louise (Dennis) Brown of Orange, and Geraldine Turecek of Milford, grandsons Nick and Noah Brown of Orange, her son-in-law Bob Nikituk of Seymour, sister-in-law Helen Tichy of Huntington, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, daughter Peggy, brothers Emil, Jeremiah, Joseph, and Vincent Tichy, sister Mary Ecsedy, niece Francine Ecsedy Cunningham, nephew John Tichy, and close family friend Mort Saffran. Special thanks to niece Kathy Franklin and family friend Jeanette Gonos who took her on weekly trips to the hairdresser or other appointments, to Alicia Kellner, her extraordinary caregiver and friend, and to the incredible nurses from CT Hospice who honored her wishes to die at home. Services will be held on Monday, July 9, from 4-7 at Riverview Funeral Home, River Road, Shelton. Her procession will leave Riverview at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 at St. Michael’s Church in Derby. Interment will follow in Saint Michael’s Cemetery in Derby. Contributions can be made to St. Michael’s Church in Derby in Fran’s name, to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to CT Hospice, or to the charity of one’s choice. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.