Frances Ann Randall

Frances Ann "Franny" Delaplaine Randall died Wednesday, May 30, 2018. She was a long-time resident of Braddock Heights, Md. 

Born in Frederick city on October 6, 1924, Franny was the daughter of the late Ruth Carty Delaplaine and George B. Delaplaine, Sr. She was predeceased by her husband Myron W. Randall, Sr., a son George Elliott Randall and a grandson Robert Elliott Randall. 

She is survived by her three children, Myron W. Randall, Jr. and wife Nancy of Middletown, Ruth Ann Randall and husband Ed Smith of Braddock Heights, and Deedee Luttrell and her husband Jeff of Frederick. She is survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: William Birely Randall, wife Sara and their children Emily and Charlotte, all of Frederick; Cecilia Randall Miller of Jefferson; Margaret Alldredge and husband Brad of Redlands, California and their daughter Coraline; Thomas Luttrell and wife Nicole of Thurmont; Christina Randall of Middletown and James Luttrell of Frederick. She is also survived by her son George’s wife, Betsy Randall of Rocky Ridge. She counts among her beloved children Margarida Gandara Rauen of Curitiba, Brazil, who lived with the family as an American Field Service (AFS) exchange student in 1975-76. 

She is also survived by a brother, George B. Delaplaine, Jr., of New Market; his four sons George B. Delaplaine III, James Delaplaine, Edward "Ted" Delaplaine and John Delaplaine and their families;  sister-in-law Phyllis Randall; niece Lettie Anderson and her husband Jeff, all of Durham, N.C. and their daughter Elaine and her husband Shawn Edelen of Arlington, Va.;  and nephew Ken Randall, wife Anne and son Cameron of Midland, Mich.  

Franny accomplished much during her rich and full life, but she was quietly proudest of her family. She emphasized education, music and broadening horizons through travel. A life-long learner, she had a passion for history that led her to write two books and several pamphlets on Frederick history.  A descendent of Johann Thomas Schley, who led the first group of European residents to settle in Frederick city, Franny enjoyed genealogy as well as studying the history of Frederick. Her passion was likely inspired by the extensive historical works of her uncle, the late Honorable "Judge" Edward Schley Delaplaine. Her involvement in the Frederick Sister Cities Association took her several times to the Schley family homeland in the Palatinate of Germany (Morzheim).  She traveled as well to England, Scotland, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Iceland, Scandanavia, Brazil, China, Japan, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Mexico and all 50 states in the USA. 

A 1945 graduate of Hood College, Franny went on to earn a master's degree in chemistry from The Johns Hopkins University. Following graduation, Franny worked in Baltimore at the Calvert Distillery in 1945, and as a chemist for the US Army Lab at Camp Detrick (now Fort Detrick) from 1947-1949. Much of her life she was, what she termed, "a professional volunteer."  She became chairman of the board of directors and later chairman emerita of Randall Family, LLC, (owner of The Frederick News-Post from 2001 until 2017). 

Franny was an ardent supporter of Hood College, and her connections were deep. Her mother Ruth Carty Delaplaine graduated in 1913, and the number of family members who studied at Hood counts close to 20. (Her daughter Deedee graduated in 1980 and went on to earn a master’s degree; her daughter Ruth and grandchildren William and Cecilia all hold master’s degrees from Hood.) A devoted alumna and donor, she served a 12-year term as a Trustee at the college, later becoming trustee emerita. She was member of the Alumnae Association, and was former president. In 1998, she received the "Excellence in Alumnae Service" award.  She was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Hood College in 2006. 

At Hood College she established the Annual Randall Family Concert, and was a supporter of the efforts of the late Noel Lester, including the purchase of a concert grand piano. The "Green Room" of Brodbeck Hall is named for her in recognition of her significant donations. 

A devoted Episcopalian, Franny was choir director at The Church of the Transfiguration in Braddock Heights for forty years. She was involved in numerous committees with the Diocese of Maryland and represented the Diocese twice at National Conventions. Franny served in a variety of capacities as volunteer at her church, served many terms on the vestry, was Senior Warden four terms and was organist at the church for a period of time. 

Franny's involvement in Girl Scouting was a life-long commitment, as she was a scout for well over 65 years. She was a troop leader for 20 years, and first led a troop while in college. She continued to lead troops while her daughters were growing up, and she led two excursions from Frederick to Wyoming, camping across country in 1970 and 1974. She continued her volunteerism as an adult scout, playing leadership roles in several Girl Scout Councils (Frederick county girl scouts were members of several different councils with the passage of time). The Penn Laurel Council named Franny a Woman of Distinction, in 2000. Randall Woods, part of Camp Potomac Woods of the Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capitol, was named in her honor.  

Franny earned her 75-year member pin from the Frederick Chapter of the DAR. She began as a member of the Children of the American Revolution, to which she belonged from 1932 until 1945.  She was awarded by the DAR for her work with Historic Preservation. She was very active with the Frederick County Historical Society, serving as board member many years and as secretary of that organization in the 1970s. She was also involved in the Braddock Heights Community Association and the Braddock Heights Historical Society. 

A long-time member of the Frederick Woman's Civic Club for more than 50 years, she served as past president, and was honored by the club with a resolution recognizing her service as publicity chair. She served on the board of directors and was an active supporter of many club activities. Perhaps her favorite time of year was the Mardi Gras Ball, which raises money for local charities. 

A founding trustee of the Community Foundation of Frederick County, Franny established seven funds. In 1993 Franny and her husband Myron were one of two couples who received the "Leadership in Philanthropy" award. Franny was involved in a variety of civic work throughout her life, and her kudos too numerous to mention. 

The family will receive friends from 2 to 6pm, on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. The funeral service will be held at 10:00AM, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 106 W. Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. The graveside service will follow at 2:00PM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of Frederick County to any of her funds (including Girl Scouts, the library, historical research and general needs), 312 East Church St., Frederick, MD 21701; Hood College, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, Md. 21701; or the Church of the Transfiguration, P.O. Box 87, Braddock Heights, MD 21714.  

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.