Frances Anna (Kostrna) Carlson

Cambridge - Frances Anna Carlson, 103, of Cambridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her residence.

Born on November 10, 1922, in the Bronx, New York, Frances was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Nesticsky) Kostrna. She was raised in the Bronx and graduated from James Monroe High School, beginning a life marked by dedication to family, community, and service to others.

Frances began her working career at Mathieson Alkali Works in Manhattan, and later held positions with the YMCA and the Girl Scouts. After marrying and raising her children, she devoted many years to caring for her family while also giving generously of her time through volunteer work. She later returned to the workforce, with her final employment at the Floating Hospital in New York City.

While living in the Bronx, Frances was elected to serve on a Community School Board in New York City during the 1960s, reflecting her deep commitment to education and her community. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, often driving others to appointments and offering support wherever it was needed.

Frances embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She enjoyed trips to the casinos in Yonkers and Atlantic City, and treasured her travels to Europe and Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. She found joy in reading, shopping, and her faith, serving as a eucharistic minister at her church. In a testament to her adventurous spirit, she went skydiving at the age of 85.

In her 90s, Frances moved to Cambridge to be closer to her children. There, she remained active and engaged in her community. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church in Cambridge, served as President of the Resident Council at The Cambridge, and was a member of the Cambridge Senior Center. She also supported the Unbound Organization and Hubbard Hall.

Frances is survived by her loving daughter, Catherine Constantin-Reid and her husband, James Reid, of Cambridge; her son, John D. Carlson and his wife, Katy Schonbeck, also of Cambridge; her granddaughter, Katelyn Constantin; her step-grandchildren, Molly Watson and Kyle Watson; and her great-grandchildren, Ainsley Ezell and Gunnar Watson. She is also survived by several extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Denton Carlson, who passed away in 2006, and her sisters, Josephine Allen and Mary O’Keefe.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at a date and time to be announced.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Cambridge Assisted Living Facility and High Peaks Hospice and Dr. Allen Hutcheson for the compassionate care given to Frances.

Frances will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her long and meaningful life leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Frances to the Cambridge Valley Senior Center, 5 Park Place, Cambridge, NY 12816 or St. Patrick's Church, 17 South Park Street, Cambridge, NY 12816.

To express sympathy or share a memory of Frances, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge, NY.

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