Biography

Frances M. Durbin, 84 of Fremont died early Saturday morning at Valleyview Healthcare Center. She was born August 18, 1925 in Fremont the daughter of Bernard L. and Verena “Marie” (Baumann) Ochs. She graduated from St. Joseph Central Catholic High School in 1943. She later married John J. Durbin on October 12, 1946 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fremont, whom preceded her in death on July 10, 1996. Frances started learning how to fly airplanes even before she graduated high school and later owned a Piper 4 airplane, in which she enjoyed flying very much. She also was part of the Ninety-Niners, an organization of women pilots. When her children were younger, Frances was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and a leader for the Campfire Girls and Bluebirds. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed playing cards with the card club and dominoes with the grandkids. She especially enjoyed the cottage on Lake Erie that her husband, John, built where their children and extended family members would spend most of their weekends. She is survived by her children; Carol (Larry) Miller of Hanover, MI, Bernard Durbin of Lindsey, OH, William Durbin of Oak Harbor, and Robert (Jean) Durbin; sister, Kathryn (James) Durbin of Fremont; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, James Ochs; grandson, Randy.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Keller-Ochs-Koch-Mason Funeral & Cremation Service, 416 S. Arch St., Fremont with a prayer service starting at 7PM. A Mass of Resurrection will be Wednesday at 10:30AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fremont with Fr. David Bruning officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association, c/o the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.kokm.net. Keller-Ochs-Koch-Mason was honored with the privilege of serving Frances’ family.