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Area couple married nearly 70 years dies 5 days apart

  • Posted by Obituaries Aug 28 - Filed in News - #Oxford  #Raymond Shivick  #Frances Shivick  #Bartel Funeral Home  - 4,575 views


    Photos from Bartel Funeral Homes

    OXFORD — Frances and Raymond Shivick spent nearly 7 decades together, raising 5 children and operating a vegetable farm that made them familiar faces to customers across Massachusetts. Earlier this month, the longtime Oxford couple died just 5 days apart.

    Frances "Fran" Louise Hencinski Shivick, 89, died August 10th at Life Care Center of Auburn. Raymond S. Shivick, 94, died at the same facility August 15th, according to their obituaries from Bartel Funeral Home.

    The couple had been married for 69 years and were just days away from another wedding anniversary.

    Frances, affectionately known as "Franny Lou," was born March 3rd, 1937, in Worcester to Genevieve and Frank Hencinski. In her younger years, she modeled for Filene's Department Store and participated in Drum Corps.

    Raymond was born June 15th, 1932, in Chelsea to Julia and Stanley Shivick. He grew up working on his father's pig farm and became a standout basketball player. He and his teammates were later inducted into the Oxford High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

    Raymond served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era and was stationed in Germany, where he worked as a mechanic and medic. After returning home, he spent most of his career working for Worcester Wire until the company closed.

    In retirement, Raymond returned to his farming roots, opening Shivick's Vegetable Farm with Frances. For nearly 40 years, Frances sold the vegetables they grew at their farmstand and farmers markets around Massachusetts.

    Known for her outgoing personality and banter with customers, Frances became particularly well known for the farm's tomatoes, earning her the nickname "The Tomato Queen."

    Frances was proud of her Polish heritage and was a devout Catholic. She enjoyed traveling with her family, cooking and baking, singing and watching birds. Raymond enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, visiting casinos and spending time outdoors. His family also remembered him as a skilled welder and mechanic.

    The couple raised 5 children in Oxford: Susan Bombard, Richard Shivick, Karen Rozenas, Cynthia Shivick and Steven Shivick. They also had 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

    Frances' funeral Mass was held August 14th at St. Roch's Church in Oxford, with burial at St. Joseph Garden of Peace in Webster. Her family asked that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.

    Calling hours for Raymond were held August 21st at Bartel Funeral Home in Dudley. His family requested that memorial donations be made to the Webster Veterans Council.

    Frances Shivick's full obituary is available at Bartel Funeral Home. Raymond Shivick's full obituary is available at Bartel Funeral Home.

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