Frances Hauser

Frances Hauser, beloved and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on March 14, 2026. She was 88 years old.

Fran enjoyed living in Perry, New York, down the street from her son Rick, daughter-in-law Meghan, and their three children. She loved going to the farmers' market on Saturdays and participating in the many local events and activities. Prior to that, she and her husband George lived in Cobleskill, New York, near their daughter Jacqui, son-in-law Brian and their three children, and played a big part in their grandchildren's childhoods.

Fran and George raised their five children in Brewster, New York. For many years, Fran was a Girl Scout leader while her daughters were involved in Scouts. Her most cherished moments were always with and about family. She enjoyed hosting as many family members as possible in their home, and for many years did most of the cooking for holidays and gatherings. Fran baked amazing desserts-cream puffs, Linzer tart cookies and sour cream coffee cake, to name a few. After they raised their children, she and George spent their time between Cobleskill and Brewster. In Cobleskill, Fran was a regular fixture at the local art studio started by Jacqui and Brian, where her creative side blossomed. Fran and George often traveled to visit their children and grandchildren and attended all their milestone celebrations.

Fran was also a Master Gardener, having taken up gardening seriously once her children were grown. She spent many hours planning and working in her flower beds and for clients. She loved going to the nursery to choose plants and flowers.

Fran never forgot a family member's birthday or a holiday and got pleasure sending gifts to immediate and extended family, including nieces, nephews, and their children. She delighted in assembling and sending goody bags for Halloween, Valentine's Day and Easter-not just for the kids, but for the adults, as well.

When gardening became too physically challenging in her later years, Fran spent her time reading, coloring, playing games and getting updates on the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Born in New York City in 1937 to Leah and Jacob Chaikin, Fran grew up in Manhattan with her brother Gerald, married George at 19, and moved to New Jersey where they started their family in the house that George built, before moving to Brewster in 1966. Her daughters Jacqui, Jill, Trudy and Erica, her son Rick, her grandchildren Leah, Ben, Emily, Abe, Sol, Levi, Jordan, Theo, Lauren and Juliana, her sons- and daughters-in-law and her loving caregiver Amanda Peterson and her family will most miss her loving, cheerful and generous nature.

In lieu of flowers, friends may share their memories of Fran at Rick & Meghan Hauser’s home, 62 Dolbeer Street, Perry, on Saturday, March 21, anytime from 1-3 p.m.