Frances Ross Kipp

Frances Ross Kipp

Cummington, MA - Frances Ross Kipp died on February 23, 2024 in Puerto Rico after a short illness. Born in 1947 in Boston, MA, the daughter of Frederick and Olivia Ross, Franny leaves behind a large family including her husband, Peter Kipp, four siblings, Jeffrey Ross, David Ross, Sally Lynch, and Pippin Ross as well as three children, Gus Perkins, Maggie Perkins, and Jenny Kipp, 7 grandchildren in Massachusetts and San Francisco, Ruben, Rowan, Finley, Aubin, Tyler, Elijah and Silas, her step-children, Lily Perkins and Jeriko Perkins and their 5 children, Miro, Juan, Eva, Sadie, and Theo. No dinner table was too small and gatherings often spilled out into the yard.

In 1974, Franny and Peter purchased a small hardware store in Cummington, MA and over the next 50 years they expanded the business, Cummington Supply, into an important part of the local community. People came to rely on Franny's ever expanding knowledge of the trades and tradespeople in the Hilltowns of western Massachusetts. Franny and Peter began spending time in Vieques, PR in the late 80's to escape winter. They bought a storm-damaged house in 1989 in Isabel II. They renovated and expanded it over time until it became the beautiful home it is today. The extended family they created in Vieques truly made it a home for them, especially their faithful lunch crew. Franny was known and loved in Vieques for her humor and quick wit and became a "mom" to many more. Vieques and The Humane Society brought both Henry and Luna into Franny's life, 2 canine friends she loved to the extreme. Henry remains Peter's trusted companion.

Franny's love of reading, word games, dominos, and winning has been passed down to multiple generations. Her children knew her to be an excellent cook specializing in Vietnamese food and Christmas morning popovers. We are sure she'd want us to tell you, Love you 54.

A private Celebration of Life will take place in Vieques, PR on March 16. A memorial in Cummington will be held this summer, date to be announced. If you wish to send Peter and the family a card, please mail them to Cummington Supply, 18 Main St, Cummington, MA 01026.

Donations can be made to the Vieques Humane Society and Animal Rescue in her name: https://viequeshumanesociety.org