Frances Theobald Brainerd

Frances Theobald Brainerd 95, died on October 29, 2008 at Channing House, Palo Alto, California. Frances was bon in Annapolis, MD, on August 2, 1913, to Rear Admiral Robert A. Theobald and Helen Berry Theobald. As a young girl, Frances lived in China where her father was stationed with the Navy. She then went on to Bishops School in La Jolla, CA, and Vassar College, where she graduated with honors. During the 2nd World War, Frances worked in the Dept of Naval Intelligence where she used her ability to speak seven languages to assist with code breaking and other critical activities. It was there that she met James Lamb Brainerd, whom she married in 1945. In 1947, with her husband Jim (deceased), Frances came to California. For the next 50 years, she used her incredible energy and talent to serve her communities and her church. In that regard, she ran a Girl Scout troop, was extremely active in the Junior League, serving as president of the Bay Area chapter, and was one of the three co-founders of the Children's Health Counsel of Palo Alto, CA. She served as the executive director of the Children's Health Counsel for 10 years and was instrumental in making it a nationally-recognized facility for the treatment of children with behavioral and developmental issues. Later in life, Frances and Jim moved to Borrego Springs, CA. In that lovely desert community, Frances worked with others to create and build a visitors center for the State Park. Also, she and Jim, with the assistance of many others, were the founders of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Frances served for many years as a senior warden and lay reader at St. Barnabas. St. Barnabas was her crowning achievement and it is the place where she will come to rest with her Jim, Frances is survived by her children, Helen Brainerd Windsor (John) and Alexander (Lex) Lamb Brainerd (Carlyn Clause), six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Her brother, Robert A. Theobold Jr. pre-deceased her. Frances is also survived by her nephew, Robert A. Theobold III (Mary); and her niece, Mary Theobald Majors (George). She will be greatly missed by all. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff (on the second floor) of the Channing House for their loving, attentive and professional care, with special thanks to Stephanie Stephens. Memorials may be made to: Frances Theobald Brainerd Memorial Fund, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 County Club Road, P.O. Box 691,. Borrego Springs, CA 92004-0691.