Frances D. MOODY

MOODY, Frances D.


Frances Drew Moody died peacefully on May 23, 2013 at Brandywine Senior Living in Litchfield CT. She was predeceased in 2011 by her husband of 68 years, Dwight C. Moody, Sr. Frances and Dwight were parents to nine children, Dwight C. Moody, Jr. of Altadena CA, Stephen R. Moody of Cheshire CT, Caroline M. Mandly of Bolivia NC, Elizabeth M. Merz of Litchfield CT, Andrew W. Moody of Madison NJ, Constance M. Knott of Sterling VA, Christine M. DesRoches (deceased), Peter D. Moody (deceased) and Abigail M. Ashley of Barrington RI. She is survived by her children's spouses, Nenita Moody, Cheryl S. Moody, Geoffrey Mandly, Kenneth W. Merz, Rebecca A. Moody, Kevin J. DesRoches, Kevin D. Knott and Lawrence Ashley, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was born in 1922 in Harrisburg PA to Mildred W. and Richard P. Drew; she is survived by her brother Walter W. Drew and was predeceased by a brother Richard P. Drew. Frances graduated from W. H. Hall High School in West Hartford CT, as did many of her children, in 1939, after which she attended the University of Maine where she met her husband Dwight. She graduated in 1943 with a degree in mathematics. Later in life she earned a MALS from Wesleyan University in Middletown CT. She taught mathematics at several schools including Miss Porter's School in Farmington CT and Ethel Walker School in Simsbury CT. Her love of mathematics was instilled in several of her children who also took degrees in mathematics. Frances loved outdoor activities including hiking, camping, skiing and sailing. As a young teenager she and her family set out on an adventurous trip to sail from Maine to Florida in the family boat Fayaway. She became an accomplished sailor. The trip, however, was cut short off the shore of North Carolina when they were caught in a hurricane which they miraculously sailed through. The Coast Guard rescued them adrift at sea but were astonished to find them still afloat. Despite this experience she loved sailing for the remainder of her life. Skiing was her second great physical passion which she enjoyed into her 70's and made opportunities for all of her children to share in this beloved activity. She loved activities of the mind as well. She enjoyed music, including playing the piano into her 80's. She was a fierce competitor in puzzles and games. Scrabble was a particular favorite, and she rarely lost a game. Frances combined her love of the outdoors and an interest in developing these interests in young women, including her daughters, by leading Girl Scout troops in West Hartford CT for many years. Summers at the family camp, which she and Dwight built together, in Lincoln ME were also an important part of this interest in the outdoors. Family activities included sailing, swimming, fishing and generally discovering the outdoors. A family rite of passage, which she heartily encouraged, was to set out early in the morning to spend a day in Baxter State Park where the goal would be to climb Mt. Katahdin. As each of the siblings attained the proper age an excursion would be taken to make the strenuous climb up the mile-high Maine icon. Frances had a strong interest in the more genteel aspects of life as well; she always kept a copy of Emily Post in her house. She loved to set a formal table, especially at special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. She also insisted that each of the children take classes in ballroom dancing and deportment. She was proud of her family history, which included sea captains, and she was a member of both the Mayflower Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Frances had a positive influence on many lives and always had a positive word for new acquaintances and old friends alike. She loved to share her beaming smile and will be missed by all who knew her.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 25 South Street, Litchfield. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Canton Historical Society, 11 Front Street, Collinsville, CT 06019 or to a charity of choice. To send an online condolence to the family, kindly visit www.rowefuneralhome.net.