Steely Sheffield gran who snubbed The Beatles dies aged 105

A larger-than-life Sheffield gran who once subbed The Beatles has died aged 105.
Frances Furniss surrounded by her family as she celebrates her 105th birthdayFrances Furniss surrounded by her family as she celebrates her 105th birthday
Frances Furniss surrounded by her family as she celebrates her 105th birthday

Tributes have been paid to Woman of Steel Frances Furniss, who died peacefully at Hartwell Care Home in Ecclesfield last month.

A funeral was held for Frances on October 27 at Grenoside Crematorium - just one day before her first great grandchild was born.

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Her son Peter, 75, said: "She had such a good life and has lived to an incredible age. She will be dearly missed.

"One day after the funeral, my daughter Jayne and her husband Rhys gave birth to son, Saer.

"It would have made Frances a great grandmother for the first time."

Peter said that, despite struggling to eat, Frances 'wolfed-down' her favourite snack on the night she died - poached egg on toast with a cup of tea.

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Peter, of Mosborough, said: "She was quite content, laughing and joking with everybody. She's had an incredible innings."

In July, we reported how Frances was 'on top of the world' after turning 105 among friends and family.

The nan-of-three, who shared jokes and special memories with loved ones during her birthday celebration, recalled the tale of snubbing The Beatles on a night out

Frances said: “One time, we were out and there were fellas singing next to us.

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“We took no notice and it turned out to be the Beatles. We didn’t know who they were then - they were just a nuisance to us.”

One of five daughters, Frances was born on July 28, 1911, in Crookes and later attended the former Western Road School.

She married steelworker William Furniss in April 1937 at St Mary's Church, Bramall Lane, and the couple had one child together.

Frances worked as a housewife for most of her life, but did a stint in the steelworks during World War Two.