Frances Hicks

Frances “Fran” Bishop Hicks, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Bennington, Vermont, surrounded by pictures of her loved ones.

Fran had a deep love for her family, took great pride in her Irish heritage, and delighted in spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her passion for photography and capturing life’s special moments was evident throughout her life. She will be remembered for her quick wit and infectious sense of humor. Her joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

Born in Bennington on November 3, 1932, Fran was the daughter of Catherine Warner Bishop and George Bishop. She spent nearly her entire life in Vermont. After graduating from Bishop DeGoesbriand Hospital in Burlington as a registered X-ray technician, she began her career at the Albany Veterans Administration Hospital.

On October 20, 1955, she married the love of her life, Donald Hicks. Together they raised three children-Martha, Charlie, and John-whom she adored and photographed at every opportunity.

In 1967, Fran and her family moved to central Vermont. She worked for the State of Vermont as a Tax Examiner and Jobs Specialist before returning to Bennington in 1977, where she became Assistant Manager of the Bennington Job Service office.

Fran was predeceased by her husband, Donald; her sons, Charlie and John; and her granddaughter, Ellen Bindman-Hicks.

She is survived by her daughter, Martha Hicks-Robinson (Norm Robinson); her granddaughters, Caitlin Cook (James Cook) and Bridget Obrynba (Eric Obrynba); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Isaac, Paige, and Lydia Obrynba. She is also survived by her aunt, who was more like a sister, Jackie Cartmell, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family extends special thanks to Erica Avalon (Bobby Warner), whose extraordinary care allowed Fran to remain in her home, and to Don’s grand-nephew, Nate White, whose delivery of her mail always brightened her day.

Fran will be remembered whenever a Willie Nelson song begins to play, bringing to mind her warmth, spirit, and love of life. Her memory will be celebrated each year on her favorite holidays—St. Patrick’s Day and Independence Day—and cherished through the stories and traditions she passed on. Most importantly, she will live on as “GiGi” in the hearts of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations to come. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at E.P. Mahar & Son Funeral Home located at 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT. Calling hours will be from 11:00-12:00 PM, followed by a Catholic prayer service at noon. Burial at Park Lawn Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

Fran loved flowers, and her friends at Gift Garden always delivered them with care and affection.