Mary Frances Baxter

Mary Frances 'Francie' Baxter, PhD, OT, FAOTA, professor emeritus Texas Woman's University,

passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. She will be remembered for her strong faith and

dedication to the Roman Catholic Church, for living her life intentionally, and for finding value and

meaning in every moment and person with whom she met.

Francie was born to William and Mary Lu Hughes on February 28, 1958, in Charlottesville Virginia.

She is survived by her son David; her husband Doug; her sisters (Kathy and Rosie); and her brothers (Tommy, Billy, and Eddie).

While she was among us, Francie found joy in her family and friends, her love of quilting, and helping others. Her love of quilting helped inspire the formation of the St. Rita's Quilt Guild at St. Mary's, Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholic Church. The guild crafted quilts which were blessed by the church and given to the sick and elderly. In addition, she donated many of her quilts to charity auctions, which helped raise thousands of dollars.

Her desire to help others led Francie to a career as an occupational therapist. Dr. Baxter was a

dedicated leader in all aspects of occupational therapy, including clinical practice, service to local, state and national OT organizations, and research as a neuroscientist, educator, author, and mentor. Her legacy as an OT lives on through the students and colleagues she inspired.

Francie's self-confidence and adventurous spirit resulted in large part from growing up in a supportive family of outdoor enthusiasts. Francie was an accomplished downhill skier and competitive swimmer. She enjoyed water sports such as scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. She was an airplane pilot and recently began training as a power-boat captain. She also loved to travel, especially to places of faith such as Vatican City, Knock Shrine, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Shrine of Fatima, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and many other important sites of the Catholic faith.

Francie was a loving, generous, forgiving, and joyful individual, who lived her life with purpose and kindness. Although her passing brings sorrow to many, she is now resting in the promise of Christ, who overcame death and welcomes her into eternal life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church St. Rita's

Quilt Guild or St. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes Religious Education Department.