Frances Wode

Frances Wode age 100 passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026 at Charlestown Retirement Community. Frances was born on March 21, 1925 in Baltimore, the second child of Frank and Anita Arnold. She spent her early childhood in Baltimore City before the family moved to Dutton Avenue in Catonsville. She attended grade school in Catonsville and later graduated from Catonsville High School.

In 1942 Frances married Howard Wode while he was on leave from the Army Air Corps. The wedding took place in Denver, Colorado. After the war Howard and Frances lived on Briarwood Road in Catonsville where they raised two children. Frances worked as a hairdresser while Howard served as a Firefighter and Paramedic with the Catonsville Fire Department. Frances was a popular figure in the neighborhood taking kids to the local pools and various activities. She also loved Ocean City and spent many summers travelling back and forth with family and friends. Frances and Howard moved to Charlestown in 2004 to begin their retirement. 

Frances is predeceased by her husband and sister Elise Hensby.

She leaves son Ron Wode and daughter Kathy Miller, brother Frank Arnold jr. Granddaughters, Erica Schmidt of Richmond and Brienne Wode-Kravitz of Denver along with greatgrandchildren Sidney, Claire and Ben Schmidt and Leo Kravitz.

Service will be held on March 21, 2026 at 11am at the Charlestown Chapel. 215 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville.