Frances Atripaldi, 88, of Portland, passed peacefully after a long illness in her son’s home in Topsham on April 5, 2017.

Fran was born in Freeport and raised in Portland, the daughter of Ethel Hale and beloved sister to Donald Hale and Buddy Young. She remained a lifelong citizen of Portland where she worked and raised her family.

In her early years, Fran worked for Portland’s largest bakeries and shoe factories. She would later work at L.L. Beans, retiring in her 70’s only to return to work for another decade at Hannaford Grocery Store where she worked a full work week until she was 84.

Fran was the true example of what is means to be selfless. She was humble and graceful and would never gossip or share her troubles with others. She was self-reliant and strong. She was the rock of her family; a dependable mother and sister, a generous, loving grandmother and great-grandmother and an active aunt to many nieces and nephews. She did incredible things for those she loved and will always be remembered for that.

Fran leaves behind her son, Vincent Atripaldi; her grandchildren, Drew Atripaldi and Amanda Candow; her great-grandchildren Ethan Atripaldi, Ashton Atripaldi, Gavin Candow and Calin Candow; her brother, Donald Hale and wife Shirley Hale and his family; her predeceased brother Albert “Buddy” Young and wife Helen Young and their family.

At Fran’s request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute in Fran’s memory to Riverview Martial Arts at 207-799-1814, www.riverviewmartialarts.org. She will forever be its’ biggest fan and will be missed and loved for all time.

Arrangements are by Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal St. Brunswick where memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.