Francisca Irwin (Paine), 88, died Tuesday, April 5th, at her home in Essex, N.Y., in the company of her family. The daughter of Augustus G. and Francisca Warren Paine, she was born on March 25th, 1928, in New York City. She grew up in the city and spent her summers in the North Country, moving to Essex permanently in 1972.

"Frisky" had a long and full life. A warm and caring person, she was a beloved mother and devoted friend to those who knew her. She will be remembered for her love of family and her dedication to the causes she believed in. She was a true advocate of the North Country and worked tirelessly to preserve and improve the quality of life in the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack mountains. The Adirondack Nature Conservancy, the Adirondack Council, the Essex Community Fund, the Adirondack Garden Club, the Garden Club of America, Mountain Lake PBS, Smith House/CVPH, the Adirondack History Center Museum and the Essex County Environmental Management Council all benefited from her insight, leadership and support.

Frisky is survived by her children, Alfred Ehrenclou, Anne Smith and Alice Cole; her adopted sons, Kebbon, Jared and Dave Irwin; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Trouble. She is predeceased by her husband, David Irwin; her daughter, Cora Booth; and one grandchild.

Donations in Frisky's memory may be made to the Adirondack Nature Conservancy and the University of Vermont CVPH.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055. To offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Frisky please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com