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Frances Lillian Kendall

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Southern Connecticut State University University of Missouri Yale University

Frances Kendall Obituary

Frances Lillian Kendall

- - After an eight-year battle with cancer, Frances Lillian Kendall, 64, died on November 21st at her home surrounded by family.

Originally from Branford, CT, Frances earned her BA in English from Southern Connecticut State College. After college, she embarked to the South Korean Island of Ulleungdo for a two-year service in the Peace Corps. Following that she earned a Master of Science in Public Health from Yale University, and then a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Missouri. For 28 years, Frances worked at Salisbury University in the Communication Arts Department where she was a sought-after colleague and beloved teacher.

Frances saw life as a series of adventures. She crisscrossed the USA numerous times, once by bicycle. She snorkeled, swam with dolphins, and participated in athletic events including triathlons and the Midnight Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska.

Frances had great culinary skills, creating tasty vegan dishes and scrumptious, artful cookies, which she shared with friends and family. She carved, painted, photographed and crocheted — the latter providing hundreds of hats and scarves for local shelters and seniors.

Throughout the years, Frances made countless lifelong friends. Her spirit of living and giving back drew people to her. She loved and was loved, and many are grateful they had the chance to share in her journey.

Frances is survived by her loving husband Mark Ford; her beloved brother David, his wife Cynthia and their children Giuliana and R. Ian; stepchildren Crystal (Jason), Michelle (Edd) and Phillip (Stacey); brother-in-law Bob (Kathy); sisters-in-law Su (Mike) and Jill; two stepgrandsons; a host of nieces and nephews; and the latest in a lifetime of rescued cats, Bugsy. She is predeceased by her parents, Professor Robert E. and Maria G. Kendall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Kendall-Ford Outstanding Scholar-Leader Award in Broadcasting. Make checks payable to the Salisbury University Foundation, PO Box 2655, Salisbury, Md 21802 (www.salisbury.edu/foundation). Please note Kendall-Ford Award on donation.

A memorial service is planned on her birthday, Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Ward Museum.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Times on Nov. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Kendall

16 Entries

David L Dolinger

August 1, 2023

I was able to meet Frances many years ago when we were both young and embarking upon our Peace Corps days in south Korea. She was one of the spirits of the K45 group (45th group of Korea Peace Corps volunteers). While I didn't get to know her really well do to distance she was one of the people I looked forward to seeing during in-service training sessions and the occasional get together of the K45's. I will miss her and truly sorry that I had not stay more connected with her other than the occasional email and lunch when I was near Salisbury.

Justin Belsley

June 16, 2021

I worked with Frances when she was a manager back in the 80s at Towncenter 3 Cinemas in Sterling, Virginia. She lived in Middleburg and drove a Volvo station wagon. I was an usher. She was in the midst of publishing her vegan cookbook. It would be decades before I became vegan, but way back then, Frances introduced me to Dick Gregory and Diet for a Small Planet. She continues to be an influence on me to this day and I regret losing touch with her terribly. I had made occasional internet searches to find her and once found a copy of her rare cookbook online in the 2000s and regret not buying that too. I had no idea that she had become this amazing professor of broadcasting. I just happened to try the same search, "Frances Kendall vegan" and her obituary came up. All I can say is I am finding it hard to think of a nicer or smarter person. My heart truly goes out to her family and all who knew this incredible person. Having just discovered this obituary is truly a punch in the gut, so carpe diem for Frances!

Tyler Martin

December 4, 2018

She was an amazing professor. She definitely helped me and challenged me to be excellent at the craft. I remember her being sweet, and funny. I really respected her and loved her compassion, she totally had mother vibes lol and that was more helpful than she could know. My condolences.

Dane Sears

November 29, 2018

So sorry to hear of your loss. To teach is to change a life forever. Frances was such a great teacher and she left a lasting impression on all that she met including myself. She was so knowledgeable in the field of television production. I pray the wonderful memories of her live on forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and the countless students she impacted in her 28 years at SU.

Fran Lee

November 29, 2018

Frances was a marvelous, talented friend to our family. We are certainly going to miss her. Our sincere condolences go to Mark and her family.

Agata Liszkowska

November 29, 2018

Beloved friend. I miss you already.

Douglas Lloyd

November 29, 2018

I had a TV production class as part of my Comms BA back in 1997. Although times and technology have changed I still use the skills that Dr. Kendall taught me today. I'm glad I was fortunate for her path to cross mine as I journeyed towards my future.

November 27, 2018

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Frances, but grateful for her service to our nation with the Peace Corps in South Korea.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

November 27, 2018

To meet Frances one time was to have her as a life long friend. It is so sad that this wonderful gentle spirit left us too soon. I will miss her.
Stephanie

Amanda Newman

November 26, 2018

Dr.Kendall was one of the sweetest professors I had while at Salisbury and she showed how much she genuinely cared about her students. So extremely devistating and shocking to hear the news. I'm deepest condolences are with you.

Hawaiian Bryan Horikami

November 26, 2018

We had a great run! See you on the other side. With Deepest Aloha

Ann Barse

November 26, 2018

To Mark, Dave, Cyndy and the rest of Frances's family: I am so very sorry to learn of this news. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Frances. May God bless her and all of you.

Sincerely,
Ann Barse

A B

November 26, 2018

My condolences go out to family and friends during this difficult time. May you find a measure of comfort found at John 6:40 which says that soon we will all see our loved ones again.

tony whall

November 26, 2018

Frances was one of those rare people who offered happiness and comfort to everyone always. I was always thrilled to see her on campus or at Giant because I knew I would be rejuvenated by her serene but animating spirit.
Frances will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and, I am sure, especially by her family, to whom I offer my sincerest condolences.

Jeanne Whitney

November 26, 2018

Mark,
You have my deepest sympathy. Frances had such a bright spirit and positive attitude that really made the world a better place.

Christina Boyd

November 26, 2018

I am so sad to read of her death. I had not seen Dr Kendall since I graduated Salisbury in 1991. Yet she will always be an angel to me. My last semester of college, I interned at CNN in DC. I was working in News for Medicine during the first Gulf War when CNN was just hitting it big. I was a starving student, unpaid intern, also working at a restaurant at nights. She knew from my weekly reports my poverty status and sent me care packages. As a kid in the big city, this meant the world to me and her notes were such a morale boost. She made a great impression on me as a young person. RIP dear lady.

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