Frances Joyce (Spiner) Dembling passed peacefully of natural causes on August 18, 2025, at the age of 87. She was the matriarch of the “mishpacha,” and will be dearly missed. Fran was born on June 5th, 1938 in Brooklyn, the devoted daughter of Ethel and Henry Spiner. She married the love of her life, David, in 1957. Just days ago, she said marrying David was the greatest achievement of her life. They shared an inspiring and everlasting love that included 68 years of marriage. Fran’s family was always her deepest source of pride. She was blessed to be the most wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and Aunt. She will be deeply missed by her devoted children: Steven, Dan (Laura) and Heidi (Stephen) Sabatino; her darling grandchildren: Matthew (Trish), Ian, Max (Katie), Ella, Zachary, Brett; and great-grandchildren: Molly and Elliot. Fran was predeceased by her parents and sister, Marilyn Podgainy. Her niece, nephew and brother-in-law held a special place in her heart.

After graduating from Brooklyn College in 1963, Fran and David moved their young family to Delmar and later to Slingerlands. She started and ran Woodstream Preschool from 1974 to 1984, along with her dear friend Sandy Rosewater. Fran also taught religious school and Jewish Cooking class at Congregation Beth Emeth for several years as well as Cooking With Nature at Heldeberg Workshop Summer Program. Along with David, she served as co-president of the Couples Club at her synagogue. Fran loved volunteering for her children’s school and activities, playing Bridge and Mahjong, hosting family gatherings and keeping track of the lives of close and extended family members as well as her friends. She had an incredible memory and ability to recall names and details about everyone she knew. She had a gift of connecting with people through her kindness and wonderful sense of humor.

Funeral service will be held at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd. in Albany on Friday, August 22nd at 10am, followed by interment at Beth Emeth Cemetery. Shiva details will be shared at the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial, Inc.at www.cdjhm.org/contribute/. May her memory be for a blessing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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