Frances Bonaventura Blaine

SCHENECTADY - Frances “Fran” Bonaventura (Celella) Blaine, 94, of Albany, NY, wife of the late Frank Blaine and later, wife of the late Harry Whipple, passed peacefully from this life to the next, on Monday, May 5, 2024 at Albany Medical Center.

Born Francesca on June 23, 1930, in Amorosi, Italy, Fran immigrated with her family to the United States at the young age of four. Fran was a devoted mother and wife, and loved the many pet dogs she cherished throughout her life. A graduate of Philip Schuyler High School, Fran was employed for many years as a cashier at the Grand Union in Albany while raising her children. Fran was always active and in her later years, she performed with a senior line dancing troupe, and for many years was a sought-after water aerobics instructor at the Towers of Colonie.

Devoted mother of Denise Stangle (John), Frank Blaine (Kathie), Theresa Thompson (Eric), and Dennis Blaine (the late Mary). Cherished grandmother to Sean, David, Kristen, and Michael Stangle, Rachel Blaine and Jenny Agiovlasitis, Evan and Connor Thompson, and Thalia Guarnieri. Beloved great grandmother to Erin Rose and Alexander.

In addition to her husband, Frank, and second husband, Harry, Fran was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Nunziatta Celella; sisters, Mary and Antoinette; and brothers, Carl and Pat.

Visiting hours will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a funeral service to immediately follow at 12:00 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204 in Fran’s memory.