January 30, 2021
Dear Friends,
This week brought the devastating news that Congressman Tonko’s mother, Fran, passed away. She was dearly loved by her family, friends and many in our community. Her warmth and spirit will be remembered and cherished by all whose lives she touched.
The Congressman has spent much of his spare time this week grieving and preparing for her services. He has been moved by the outpouring of love and support that have come in the form of hundreds of calls, letters, notes, messages and comments offering condolences and sharing fond memories of his mother.
As staff, we thought it would be appropriate to share her obituary for this week's newsletter, which you can read in full here:
Frances G. Tonko, 99, of Princeton Street, Amsterdam, NY died very peacefully on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at the River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam, New York.
Frances was born on April 16, 1921. She was the daughter of Boleslaw and Karolyna Bik Grajewski. She was a 1937 Wilbur H. Lynch High School graduate. She later continued her Post Graduate studies.
On June 21, 1947, she was united in marriage to Stanley C. Tonko. They shared 68 years of married life together. Stanley died on June 28, 2015.
Frances had been employed by the Selective Service System and later worked for the Amsterdam Insurance Agency in Amsterdam, NY until her retirement in 1976.
Frances was a lifelong Greater Amsterdam area resident. She was a member of St. Stanislaus Church and the Ladies Rosary Society; St. Mary’s Club 60 and a past member of the Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club. She was appreciated as an energetic campaigner.
Frances had been recognized in the past by former Governor Mario Cuomo as “New York Blood Donor of the Year”. She took great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens. She was a great baker and cook. There were great demands for her delicious pierogi, lasagna, babka bread, and lemon meringue pie. Frances was an avid lover of animals including her own Victor and Vanessa.
Frances is survived by her children, Patricia Tonko and United States Congressman Paul D. Tonko, both of Amsterdam; niece and goddaughter, Gayle Grajewski of Amsterdam; niece; Diane Nichols of Orange Park, Florida; nephews, Dr. Edward Rubinski of Vero Beach, Florida; Richard Rubinski of Norman, Oklahoma; four grandnieces, one grandnephew and two great grandnieces.
Frances was predeceased by her brother, Joseph B. Grajewski and his wife Elizabeth; sister, Jessie Jurusik and her husband John; sister-in-law, Victoria Rubinski and her husband Edward.
Fran’s family offers thanks for the compassionate care provided by her medical staff and healthcare workers whose efforts filled her life with dignity and hope.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and kindness. Stay safe.
-Staff
DID YOU KNOW?
Throughout this pandemic, my office and I have worked to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations on any and all COVID-19 related topics. With that in mind here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- On Jan. 26, FEMA announced it will designate nearly $1 billion to costs related to the COVID-19 vaccine to states throughout the nation, including $466.8 Million obligated to New York State.
- The award provides $202,056,000.00 in federal funding to the City of New York Office of Management and Budget and $264,744,000 to the New York State Division of Budget to reimburse costs associated with emergency protective measures taken by the state to store, handle, transport, distribute and administer vaccines to reduce the spread the of the virus.
- City of New York Office of Management and Budget is distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines to its population via the Vaccine Command Center (VCC) and a network of private healthcare providers, publicly operated vaccination administration centers, and publicly supported vaccination administration centers.
- The funding will also help support standing up community vaccinations sites, provide PPE, other equipment and supplies required for storing, handling, distributing, transporting and administering COVID-19 vaccines from now until April 30, 2021.
