Frances Barker Tucker

Frances Barker Tucker Weston - Frances Barker Tucker died peacefully at the Brandywine Living Center in Litchfield Connecticut on January 10, 2023. She was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1924 to Thomas Ridgeway Barker and Frances Leiper Barker and was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Patterson, and by her beloved husband of 71 years, George Tucker.

She is survived by four children; Wayne, Sheldon, Nancy, Scott, her six grandchildren; Luke, David, Nicholas, Alexandra, Jessica, Zoe, and her great grandchildren, Wes, Simon and Remy, all of whom bear the surname Tucker.

Fran and George were long-time residents of Weston, MA where they were actively involved in the life of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Fran is remembered as the first female warden of the vestry, and for her many years of coordinating hospitality for events at the church. Believing that food is a vivid expression of compassion, she baked countless cupcakes for Rosie's homeless shelter in Boston, and was always ready with a casserole for anyone who was experiencing grief.

Her candied apples at Halloween were a neighborhood sensation, and many children made the Tucker house their first stop so as not to miss out on that delectable treat.

Her concern for others also led her to start Weston FISH, a transportation service for those in need, and for this she was honored decades later, in 2013, with the J. Ward Carter Civic Award.

Fran was a skilled pianist, and shared a love of music with her sister Elsie, with whom she often sang duets when they were children. Fran continued singing all through her 98 years, delighting all of those around her. At home, she loved gardening, and creating exquisite hand-braided rugs.

Her children remember her as a firm parent, but with a surprising capacity for mischievous humor that would occasionally peek through her stern parental demeanor. Her love for her children was expressed in many ways, not least by her front row attendance, alongside George, at countless track meets, wrestling matches, concerts, and plays.

A memorial for both Fran and George will take place in the Spring of 2023 at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to Doctors Without Borders.