04/08/2026
Frances K. Stilson “beloved mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law”
SHARON CENTER, PA---Frances K. “Fran” Stilson, 84, of Sharon Center, passed away unexpectedly after suffering an apparent heart attack on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born on Sunday, June 8, 1941 in Chrystal, she was a daughter of Linwood Earl and Margaret Dunshie Hyde. On July 22, 1961 in Chrystal, she married John M. Stilson, who passed away on April 27, 2016.
Fran was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1959, in Shinglehouse. Early in her working career, Fran was employed by the former Pan American World Airways in Long Island City, NY, as a reservationist, booking passengers on various overseas flights. She spent the majority of her career as a legal secretary/office manager. She had formerly served as a secretary for the Sharon Township supervisors.
Fran was a member of the Coudersport Gospel Tabernacle Church. Her greatest loves were her family and church.
Left to cherish her memory are three children, Tammy A. (Mark) Perkins of Wilmington, PA, Chris P. (Connie) Stilson of Bolivar, NY, and Phil E. (Lisa) Stilson of Millport; six grandchildren, Dalacy Perkins, Jeremy Perkins, Andrew Perkins, Kristen Stilson, Trevor Stilson, and Lexie Stilson; eight great-grandchildren, Lillian Kreider, Alex Kreider, Aiden Hudson, Paxton Perkins, Kunal Perkins, Taeson Stilson, Kayden Stilson, and Roeshen Perkins; a brother, Donald (Patricia) Hyde of Eleven Mile; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Fran was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Dawn Stilson; a great-grandson, Taydan Stilson; three sisters, Barbara Van Pelt, Virginia Sturdevant, and Patricia Todd; and a brother, Douglas Hyde.
Family and friends may gather from 9am to 11am on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Coudersport Gospel Tabernacle Church, 420 Rt 6 W, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 11am with Pastor John Minor, officiating. Private burial services will be held in the Chrystal Cemetery, Eleven Mile, with Pastor Fred Kemp, of Potter County Baptist Church, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fran’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Fran’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Fran, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home page
