Frances White Church

Frances White Church, of Shawsville, VA, passed away on July 17, 2026, at the age of 100.

Born June 28, 1926, in Russell, MA, she was the youngest child of Dr. Harold Bancroft and

Doris Olds White. She graduated from Northfield Academy, earned her BA from Massachusetts

State College, and later a master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State College. Fran married

Robert Clayton Church Sr in 1948, and together they raised five children while living in

Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and later Virginia.

Fran welcomed neighbors, friends, and young people into her home with warmth and generosity.

She taught language arts at Eastford Elementary School in Eastford, CT, where her humor and

kindness endeared her to students. Fran was active in the PTA, Head Start, Hampton

Congregational Church, the Hampton School Board, and the Hampton Community Players. She

also performed with the Kitchen Band in Pennsylvania. Fran was an avid reader, a formidable

Scrabble player, and a loyal Boston Red Sox fan.

In her last years, Fran was provided excellent care and companionship by the residents, staff and

nurses of FriendshipRichfield Assisted Living and Good Samaritan Hospice. With special

gratitude to daughter Becky for her devotion to Bob and Fran in their final years. Fran is

survived by her five children, Rebecca Wahlberg (Mark), Janice Swanson (David), Barbara

Burkhardt (Robert), Robert Church Jr. (Kathy), and Steven Church (Margarita); 14

grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren; 4 step greatgrandchildren; and 13 nieces and nephews. She

was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, her brothers David and Harold, and her dear

friend Arlene Burr.

Fran will be interred with Bob at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial

donations may be made to the Montgomery County Christmas Store

(https://www.mcchristmasstore.org/) or a charity of choice.