Locals mourn past Elmont library board member

Frances C. Hirx, born Frances Catherine Bowden in the Bronx in 1914, died in her sleep on Nov. 6 at the Belle Reve Senior Living Center in Milford, Penn. She was 97.

Hirx was an artist, teacher and beloved matriarch. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in art from Adelphi University and studying at the Art Students League in Manhattan, Hirx was a longtime member of the Suburban Art League, the North Shore Art League, the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts in Babylon, and the Art League of Long Island. Her work has been exhibited at various sites, including Guild Hall in Easthampton, Winthrop Hospital in Mineola and Town Hall in Babylon.

For many years, Hirx taught art both privately and at the Grace Lutheran School in Queens Village, and publicly for the Art Department at Gimbels in Green Acres, Valley Stream. She succeeded her husband as a member of the Elmont Memorial Library Board of Trustees in 1963, where she was commended for her efforts to keep the community’s property taxes under control.

Hirx lived in Woodhaven, Jamaica Estates, Valley Stream and West Babylon on Long Island before retiring to Milford, Penn. She was married to the late Louis Hirx and was the mother of Barbara Hirx Kelly, Robert Louis Hirx and Linda Hirx Stillwell. She also had 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Hirx was the sister of L. Vera Freitas, John P. Bowden and the late Francis J. Bowden, all of California. Arrangements were made by Stroyan Funeral Home, located at 405 W. Harford St. in Milford, Penn.