July 5, 2016
Frances Behrens Clift, 96; of Bishop Commons, Oswego, NY passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at St. Luke Health Services, Oswego, NY.
Frances was born in Jersey City, NJ to the late Henry and Helen (Helfrich) Behrens. She and her late husband of 51 years A. Vernon Clift raised their three children in Nyack, and Pearl River, NY. Mrs. Clift was past employed with Atlantic Microfilm Co., Spring Valley, NY where she worked for over ten years. After their children were grown, Frances and Vernon relocated to Lake Ariel, PA. They became longtime members and devoted many years to the revitalization of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hamlin, PA. One of Frances’ favorite pastimes was to work with the pre-school children in the church’s nursery school. In 2010, Frances moved to Bishop Commons, Oswego, NY. There she enjoyed playing cards with her friends, making puzzles, bird-watching, and performing with the bell choir. Frances always chose to make the best of every situation with her faith, child-like enthusiasm, and giving nature. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Frances is survived by her three children: Patricia (David) Cohen of Bluffton, SC; Stephen H. (Vicki) Clift of Swansboro, NC; Philip A. (Sandy) Clift of Fulton, NY; her grandchildren who brought her great joy included: Lisa (Joe) Lindland Racz, Jeffrey (Jennifer Upham) Clift, Jennifer Clift, and step grandchild Stacie (John) Peebles, and several nieces and nephews. Frances was pre-deceased by her sister Louise Quackenbush, grandson Mark Lindland, and step grandson Brian Ferber. At the request of Frances there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be held privately in the Salem Cemetery, Hamlin, PA. Memorial Contributions may be made in honor of Frances to St. John’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 118, Hamlin, PA 18427. The Sugar Funeral Home, Inc., Fulton are in care of the arrangements.