Frances Middleton

Frances Middleton died September 24, 1013 following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Born and raised in Clovis, NM, Fran was a stellar student, the valedictorian of her high school class, and earned a full academic scholarship to Smith College in Northampton, MA where she graduated with high honors and met her future husband, Herb. Married while in college, they moved to Philadelphia, her husband's home town, after graduation and settled down to raise a family. The daughter of an athletic director, Fran loved sports and was a talented athlete, playing tennis, golf and skiing throughout her life. She also enjoyed watching sports, particularly the Phillies and Eagles, and attended their game until her illness precluded her from doing so. Following her husband's death in 1998, the Phillies became a primary focus of her life and her extended family. An avid history student, Fran served for years as a guide at Independence Hall. Her interest in history also fueled her passion for traveling, which she did extensively, visiting all seven continents to learn firsthand about different countries' history and culture. Astronomy and botany were other lifelong interests, the latter leading to Fran's decades-long commitment to enviromental ism. Through her church, she helped run an inner-city tutoring program for over twenty years. As a long-term volunteer, she also helped raise money for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She is survived by her sister, Jane Davidson of Littlefield TX, three children, Lucia Hughes of Wilmington, NC., John Middleton, and Ann Middleton of Los Angeles, CA., five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be make to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Stuard Funeral Home