Frances Wisniski Knights

     Frances Wisniski Knights, 93, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Frances was born in 1920 to Walter and Stella Wisniski, a Polish immigrant family in Shadyside, New Jersey. Her family relocated to the Whitney Point area and she grew up a “farm girl”. Her enduring character of strength, fortitude and unselfishness was shaped from a young age by the untimely passing of her father at which time she and her sister Gen became the family’s providers; a formidable task for young girls in the Depression Era. She married Richard Knights on April 15, 1944. Hardworking and resourceful, she worked as a housekeeper to many families in the Binghamton area. Frances gave her family everything she could and more; her unconditional love. Through her great spirit of service, she instilled in her children the importance of putting others first, hard work, the Catholic faith and most of all, the value and blessing of family.      Frances was predeceased by her loving husband, Richard and has spent many days rereading his letters to her during World War II. Her family takes comfort in knowing they are together again. She was also predeceased by her sister, Janna and brother, John. Frances is survived by her children, Barbara and Bob Gardner, Kirkwood, Kathleen O’Hearn, Albany and Nancy and Michael Balanda, Binghamton. She leaves behind ten treasured grandchildren; Michele Gibson, Windsor, Lisa Henke, Warrenton, Va., Daniel Balanda, Binghamton, Keith Kaminsky, Albany, Molly Balanda, Binghamton, Andrew Kaminsky, Old Forge, Pa., Sarah Householder, Winchester, Va., Erin Cole, Norwich, Caitlin O’Hearn, Nantucket, Mass., and Brieanne O’Hearn, Albany, 14 great grandchildren; Ashley, Ryan, Paul, Talor, Anna, Sarah, Jacob, Jake, Lucas, Giselle, Aidan, Gianna, Riley and Paige, sisters; Genevieve Fedorowicz, Binghamton, Elizabeth Roche, Johnson City and Katherine Gasbarra, Endicott and sister-in-law, Louise Wisinski, Vestal. Frances’s family wishes to express from the bottom of their hearts their gratitude to her special neighbors, Dona, Jesica, Chris and Bob for all they have done to make it possible for Frances to live independently for the last few years.      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Saints John and Andrew RC Church, 1163 Vestal Avenue, Binghamton with the Reverend Monsignor Michael T. Meagher officiating. Interment will follow services in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Whitney Point. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, Monday, April 21, 2014 at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton. Memorial contributions in Frances’ name may be made to Saints John and Andrew RC Church, 9 Livingston Street, Binghamton, NY 13903 or to the Broome County Humane Society, 2 Jackson Street, Binghamton, NY 13903. To forward condolences please visit www.demunnfh.com.