Frances Ann Fisher, retired registered nurse
Frances Ann (Mitchell) Fisher of Dagsboro passed away Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. She was born Aug. 15, 1943, in Bethany Beach, daughter of the late Augustus Isiah Mitchell and Anna Wear (Evans) Mitchell.
She graduated from John M. Clayton High School Class of 1961. Frances received her degree as a registered nurse in 1964 from the Delaware Hospital School of Nursing. Her career started at Nanticoke Hospital emergency room, moving on to work for the State of Delaware for the next 35 years, 25 years at Stockley Center, and 10 years with Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and six of her seven brothers and sisters, Willard (Hazel) Mitchell, Eldon (Judy) Mitchell, Howard (Saralee), Mitchell, Floyd Mitchell, Elma (Ralph) Leedom and Helen
(Arthur) Truitt, as well as one niece, Cynthia Truitt (Manaen) Robinson. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John Harvey Fisher; children, John M. (Jan) Fisher and Matthew Fisher; grandchildren, Lisa (Bryan) Mack and Sarah Gardner; great-grandchildren, Taylor Mack and Reece Mack. She is survived by one sister, Wilma (Bruce) Graham. She leaves behind 27 nieces and nephews.
While Frances's family grieves her loss, they are choosing to remember her in a way that honors her spirit. She cared deeply for her family, friends, and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help. She regularly brought meals to the homes of the sick, and she always ensured that every child who crossed her path was safe, healthy, and happy.
Frances certainly lived her profession. Three words that describe her are loyal, selfless, and dedicated to others. Just ask the many children she took in when they needed a stable home, a warm meal, a shoulder to cry on, or to make them laugh. She was known for her wicked sense of humor. Not only did Fran take care of people, she also took good care of the many animals on their farm, and especially loved to hatch chickens, ducks, and turkeys. We called her Saint Frances because the animals loved her; they would hear her voice and come running. She had a turkey that acted more like a dog. She has had goats, ponies, and cows. She would always pick up strays, bring them home, and care for them. One of the many stories her sons would tell was when she picked up a cow that needed a home and transported it in her station wagon. She had a garden every year, and we can attest that she had the best tomatoes ever. She was the Cub Scout den mother for Millsboro Pack 89. She was a talented athlete and a Girls All-State basketball member in high school. She also played in the Delaware Senior Olympics in both softball and volleyball. Frances loved to read; her library had more physical books than the libraries of today.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, at Millsboro Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brandywine SPCA, 22918, DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Visit Fran’s Life Memorial at watsonfh.com.
