Past Governor Fran McDonald, 1930-2013

With her 1988-1990 biennium theme, "Altrusa in Wonderland--Through the Looking Glass to Service," Governor Fran McDonald marched into District Nine history. Fran passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013; she had been an active member of the Fort Worth Club for many years, and the Temple Club for years before that.

Known for her big personality packed into her tiny frame, Fran was a much-loved District Nine Altrusan who had enough warmth and support for us all.

Past Governor Peggy Sturrock of The Big Country served as Fran's program coordinator from 1988-1990 and said she loved Fran dearly. "Fran loved Altrusa and was a mentor to many of us 'has been there and done that' back in the olden days," Peggy said. "We each gained much from those who went before us and most of all we also LEARNED TO LOVE ALTRUSA. My heart is heavy."

Jan Skinner of the Richardson Club remembers Fran fondly. "I remember my first year of Altrusa (~1993), I went to leadership training event in Nacogdoches (it was before the District Conference got moved to the spring)," Jan said. "Fran was leading the session about BRR. I was the only one who attended that training session! At the time, I was impressed to have a past governor leading my session. Fran always remembered my name – she spoke to me every time I was at any Altrusa functions. That was just Fran. A big hole is in my Altrusa heart!"

Past Governor Kathy Folley of Temple also remembers Fran's light spirit. "I was introduced to her at one of my first conferences and remember her great smile and inviting personality," Kathy said. "She was one of the nicest people you would ever want to met. She had a way of making you feel special and that was especially true once I began serving on the District Board. Always encouraging and telling me what a great job I was doing. I seemed to always gravitate toward her for a hug.  For such a tiny lady she had one great big heart. A very special person."

Fort Worth Club President Dianne Robinson said the club feels the loss of their dear friend deeply. "Words cannot express how sad we all feel," Dianne said. "This is a huge loss."

In addition to being a past governor of the Mighty Ninth, Fran served on the Altrusa International Foundation Board of Directors from 1993 to 1997.

From her obituary in the Fort Worth Star Telegram: She was a 1948 graduate of Temple High School, followed by work at Mary Hardin Baylor and then obtaining a BA degree in 1952 from Southern Methodist University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Her business career began with work for radio station KRLD in Dallas. She subsequently worked for the Batten, Barton, Durstine, & Osborn advertising agency, the Texas Tuberculosis Association and was an associate member of the Crowder Davis & Company Insurance Agency. She devoted over 70 years of faithful service to the Episcopal Church in Temple, Dallas and Fort Worth. She spent 40 years with All Saints in Fort Worth, serving on the Altar Guild the entire time as well as being a member of the St. Ann's Guild and in support of St. Ann's Bookstore. She served many years with the Women of All Saints and she served as a member of the vestry. Her work for the church also included service to the diocese as a member of the Episcopal Church Women's Cabinet for nearly 15 years, serving variously as Western Deanery Representative, Diocesan Historian and Secretary.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 1.