WORCESTER - Elizabeth Shirley Fancher passed peacefully into the arms of God at her home in Worcester on January 02, 2018. She was 89 years old.

She was the daughter of the late Dr. Morris G. and Elizabeth (Hughes) France and the sister of Morris G. France, Jr. ("Junie").

Shirley was a 1945 graduate of Worcester Central School and attended the Albany College of Pharmacy where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology in 1950.

She was married to Maynard H. Fancher for more than 48 years until his death in 2003.

She was employed by Bender Laboratories in Norwich before starting her family. For both Maynard and Shirley, their family was the greatest source of pride and joy. They loved to bring the family together for family picnics and gatherings to celebrate a birthday or graduation and to share in the lives of those they loved.

Shirley was always the encouraging voice urging her children and grandchildren to laugh, love and find joy in their lives. For all of her loving sacrifice and kind and gentle guidance, they are forever grateful.

Shirley enjoyed planting flowers and vegetables in the gardens that surrounded her home and feeding the birds that came to visit. Like her father, the veterinarian, she always had a soft spot for animals. Throughout her life she was an avid reader and learner, especially in the area of nutrition and natural remedies.

She is survived by her children, Christine Rocco (Joseph) of Saratoga Springs, David of Worcester and Beverly, MA, Michael (Sandra) of Albany and Stephen (Heather) of Worcester; her Sister-in-law Jeanne (Muehl) France of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by her cousins Rosemary Miller of East Greenbush, and Gary (Susan) Hughes of Schenectady and her six grandchildren: Mathew and Emma Rocco, Haley and Madeleine Fancher and Trevor and Connor Fancher. She is also survived by nephews Morris, Mark, Brian and Christopher France and niece Sheryl (France) Wilemon.

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Lisa Muehl-Cooper and especially Shirley's son David, who cared for his mother during her final years with extraordinary love and devotion.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Noon on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 201 Main Street, Worcester, NY, with the Rev. Paul J. Mijas, celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to a calling hour at the church prior to the service starting at 10:30 a.m.

Donations may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or the Worcester Emergency Squad.

For online condolences visit, www.hellerskinnerfh.com

Arrangements are by the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester.