Francis Miller Darwin

Francis Miller Darwin, of Charleston, died on Monday, February 2, 2009, at the Medical University of South Carolina. Francis Miller Darwin was born on July 4, 1925 in Marshall, NC. She and her husband, Charles Wallace Darwin, moved to Charleston in 1958 to open Skateland Skating Rink, a local favorite for 20 years. In 1980, they opened the popular Le Chalet restaurant and ran it until they retired in 2000. Francis was a master quilter who won numerous awards for her artistry. She is survived by her husband, Charles; son Tim Grana; daughters Jo Shields, Kay McSpadden, Darlene Darwin, and Kelley Lord; and nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The visitation is from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 5, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave., Asheville, and a memorial service will be on Friday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m., also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 81 Gadsen Street, Charleston, SC 29401.