Shelter Island Reporter obituaries: Field, Franzoni, Ridgeway

Charles Field Jr.

Charles Field Jr. — Dec. 3, 1952—Oct.15, 2026 — passed away after a short illness.

Frances Franzoni 

Frances Franzoni, 64, known lovingly to her family and friends as Frannie, passed away on Oct. 20, 2026. 

She was a beloved mother, wife, and community member. She passed in the comfort of her home in Mulberry, Ga., surrounded by those who loved her. She was born on Dec 2, 1961 in Texas with her twin, Ann Franzoni. 

Fran’s admiration for life was felt by all who knew her. She spent many years as a dog groomer, insurance agent, small business owner, and pillar of her community. She warmly dedicated countless hours enriching the lives of others through volunteer work and mentorship, both professionally and out of the kindness of her own heart. Her passion for God, her family, and her dogs was unwavering. 

Fran is survived by her adoring husband, Todd Hawkins, and her two children, Trey Duke and Lisa Shields. She will be deeply missed by her five grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grandma.” Fran’s memory will live on through all who knew her due to her tenacious loyalty, love, and support. Her family takes solace in knowing that Fran will be joining her twin sister, Annie, who passed 15 years prior, in the Great Beyond. 

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Frannie will be held on Nov. 7, 2026 at her home. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to Breast Cancer Support and Research via the American Cancer Society. 

Mary Jo Ridgeway

Mary Jo Ridgeway of Southampton, N.Y., and Vero Beach, Fa, passed on from this life on Sept. 26, 2026, at the age of 81,with family at her bedside. 

A cherished mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, sister, and educator, Mary Jo (or Mimi, as she was known to her beloved grandchildren) lived a life of great strength, love, and compassion and left a deep and lasting impression on all those lucky enough to know her.

Born on Feb. 11, 1945, in Richmond, Ind., to Clarence and Mary Ridgeway, Mary Jo grew up in Huntington, Ind., and was a proud graduate of Huntington High School and Indiana University, where she was an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Upon graduation, she traveled to Germany, where she met her future husband, Charles “Nick” Dawson, an Air Force fighter pilot stationed there. 

After returning to the U.S. and marrying Nick, Mary Jo spent her professional life as a speech and language pathologist, touching the lives of countless children who passed through the Shelter Island and Hampton Bays schools by helping them find their voices and instilling confidence and a sense of self-worth in the process. She also earned a Master’s Degree at Hofstra University while working full time. 

She and Nick raised two children, Christopher and Peter Matthew “Matt.” Despite her heavy workload, Mary Jo always found time to prepare nightly family dinners, read bedtime stories, attend school and sports events, and stay up late on Sunday nights when Chris or Matt (usually Chris) belatedly remembered that a school project was due the following morning. She is survived by sons Chris and Matt and by two daughters-in-law, Maureen Dawson and Neema Dawson.

She was predeceased by her second husband, Thomas Crawford Dick. Through their marriage, she was blessed with a wonderful extended family, including Tom’s five children — Cindy, Heather, Thomas, Alan, and Andrew — as well as several grandchildren who Mimi grew to know and love deeply during their time together. 

Following Tom’s passing in 2002, life brought a beautiful full circle when she happily reunited with Nick, and the two remarried in 2017. She and Nick traveled and enjoyed life together, and Nick remained completely devoted to her, supporting her and staying by her side until her passing.

Mimi always put family first. In addition to Nick, Chris, and Matt, she leaves behind three grandchildren, Rory, Callie, and Brecken, as well as nieces and grandnieces, and nephews and grandnephews. Mimi was a devoted grandmother who took every opportunity to spend time with and dote on her grandchildren. They will always recall with great fondness their visits to her home in Southampton — “Mimi’s Summer Camp” — where she would spoil them with trips to the beach and to Stephenson’s Toy Store, prepare delicious family meals, and provide them with a fun and caring environment where they felt safe, supported, and cherished. Those memories, and the lessons they learned from their Mimi, will stay with them forever. 

Mary Jo also leaves her dear sisters Jeanne Aragon of Miami and Pamela Dolby of Vero Beach and their spouses, and was predeceased by her sister Holly and brother Nicholas, all of whom she loved and cared for deeply. 

While Mimi’s passing has left an unfillable void in the lives of her family, we are forever grateful to have had her in our lives. She was a guiding light who taught us to be loving, compassionate, and self-confident, and to always do what’s right regardless of the consequences. While she has left us, the lessons she imparted will continue to guide us and serve as her most lasting legacy. 

Her family will hold a celebration of Mary Jo’s life next summer in Southampton. Donations may be made in Mary Jo’s name to the VNA & Hospice Foundation. Donations may be made online at foundation.vnatc.com/donate-now/