Frances Ross Todd

Frances Ross Todd, 93, of Chebeague Island died peacefully on April 17, 2016 at Fallbrook Woods, Portland Maine.

Frances was born on October 26, 1922 on Chebeague Island.   She was the youngest of the three children of Ernest and Clara Ross.   Frances graduated from Chebeague Island High School and married Harold James Todd of Portland in 1941.  During WW2 the couple lived in Portland while Harold worked at the South Portland shipyard building “Liberty Ships.”  After the war they moved to Chebeague Island where they remained for their married life.

Harold and Frances raised four children: Harold (Jimmy), Daniel, Carol, and Andrew.  Harold was a carpenter and, for many years, the Cushman’s Bakery and Oakhurst Dairy delivery man.  The bakery and dairy delivery trucks went door to door selling their products.  Frances (and sons Jimmy and Danny) worked with Harold on the “trucks.”  Families who were on the Island at that time remember trips to the Todd home to purchase bakery products being stored in their “barn.”

Frances was a hard worker.  She was independent and always self-employed – as a caterer, seamstress, cook, upholsterer, or cleaning lady.  She was industrious and would always find a way to make an honest living – from selling homemade donuts to taking in laundry.  An exceptional homemaker, many will remember how she kept her home immaculate.  She was a wonderful cook and made the best apple pie!

Frances was well known for her love of family.   She fiercely protected her children and grandchildren and would always do her best to take care of them.  She was an outspoken woman.  You always knew where you stood with Frances – whether you wanted to know it or not.

Her frankness was balanced by a great sense of humor.  She would often play pranks and loved to make jokes and tell stories.

Frances was predeceased by her parents, her sister Shirley Ross Burgess, her brother Arnold Ross, her husband of 50 years Harold, her son Jimmy and her granddaughter Rebecca (Copp) Moran.  She is survived by her children Daniel Todd, Carol Sabasteanski (and husband Frank), and Andrew Todd (and wife Mary) and thirteen  grandchildren: Patti Rich, Alex Todd (and wife Heidi), Stephen Todd (and wife Vicki), Hank Todd, Sarah Sabasteanski Eggleston (and husband Gary), Emily Sabasteanski Crowley (and husband Paul), Nicholas Sabasteanski (and wife Merrill), Ross Sabasteanski (and wife Rikki Lee), Samuel Sabasteanski, Emma Todd, Addie Todd, Aiden Todd, and Sadie Todd.  She is also survived by eleven great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Island Commons, Chebeague Island, ME and Fallbrook Woods, Portland, ME for the exceptional care given Frances over the last two years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Island Commons, 132 Littlefield Road, Chebeague Island ME, 04017.

Visiting hours will be Saturday April 23rd from 4 PM to 7 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth ME.   Funeral service will be Sunday April 24th at 1 PM at the United Methodist Church on Chebeague Island ME.