Frances M. Walker, 76, of Manhasset died at home on Dec. 2, 2003 of lung cancer. She was the beloved mother of three children: Ruthann, Elizabeth and Archibald and one grandchild, Kirk. She is the sister of Judge Robert Roberto Jr., who also resides in Manhasset.

Fran retired from the Sewanhaka Central High School District in Floral Park, as an English teacher and from Nassau Community College as an English professor. She was an inspirational educator who helped even the most resistant students enjoy reading and writing. Career highlights at Sewanhaka included directing three school musicals, advising the school newspaper and advising Sewanhaka's literary magazine. Fran was honored as one of 16 leaders in the country for her work with these school publications on more than two occasions, with Columbia's Gold Key Award (Columbia Scholastic Press Association).

A graduate of St. John's University she earned a master's in secondary education, English. Her undergraduate degree was from Ohio Wesleyan University, where her major was pre-law and English.

Fran was a published poet. In honor of her passion for poetry, the family suggests donations be made to the Fran Walker Poetry Award. Contributions should be mailed to Sewanhaka High School, 500 Tulip Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001, Attn: Debra Lidowsky, principal.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock at 11 a.m. The address is 48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset, NY 11030.

Martha Melissa Hanson, 92, of Bloomfield, CT, wife of the late Stephen C. Hanson Sr., died on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003. Born on Dec. 4, 1911, she graduated from The Columbus School for Girls, Columbus, OH, and Smith College, Class of 1934, Northampton, MA. She lived in Manhasset for many years. She was an active member of the Visiting Nurse Service, a member of the Duncaster Residents Association, Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed gardening and playing bridge. She is survived by her two children, Martha Melissa "Missi" Hanson of Oregon City, OR, and Stephen C. Hanson Jr. and his wife, Sonya, of Bartlett, IL; two grandchildren, Stephen C. Hanson III and his wife, Kirsten, of Albia, IA, Erik C. Hanson of Moravia, IA; and two great-grandchildren, Melissa Charlotte Hanson and Sonja Jane Hanson. A memorial service will be held in January on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Caleb-Hitchcock Expansion, Duncaster, 40 Loeffler Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002.