RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Grace LaFrance, 72, of Church Street, passed away peacefully April 8, 2003, in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, with the comfort of her family at her side. She was born May 17, 1930, in Richfield Springs, a daughter of the late Julian Faye and Nina (O'Connor) Maxson. A lifelong area resident, she graduated from Richfield Springs High School. On June 12, 1954, she married Richard "Smokey" LaFrance in St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs. For 17 years she worked as a telephone operator with New York Telephone Co. She retired in 1963 to raise her family. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs, and Ganawauges Chapter DAR. Her hobbies included quilting, reading and doing crossword puzzles. However, her family was always first in her life and Grace was happiest when surrounded by her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She will always be remembered as a loving and caring person. Surviving are her two sons, Philip Scott and his wife Brenda LaFrance of Lynchburg, Va., and Charles and his wife Fay LaFrance of Richfield Springs; one brother, Norman and his wife Bette Jane Maxson of Richfield Springs; two sisters, Marian Maxson of Richfield Springs and Elizabeth Eysaman of Little Falls; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremiah, Jacob and Sarah LaFrance, all of Lynchburg, Va., Marc, Gabriel and Ivy LaFrance, all of Richfield Springs; many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs. The Rev. Terence Healy will officiate. Interment will take place later this spring in St. Joseph's Cemetery. At Grace's request, there are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Richfield Springs Public Library. Envelopes will be available at the church. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.