One less flower is in bloom today. A truly remarkable person, Mary Frances Mitchell, passed away on October 10, 2009. Parents Frank and Mary Johnson were blessed with the birth of Mary Frances on July 11, 1950, in Alexandria, Virginia. She grew up in Annandale, Virginia; attending St. Michael's School.

Mary Frances, "Fran" as she was known to family and friends, graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Alexandria, Virginia. She attended classes at Northern Virginia Community College. During this time, Fran shared her love of music with others while performing professionally as a self accompanied folk singer on the accoustic guitar at Mr. Henry's and the Mayflower Hotel. Fran went on to graduate from the George Mason University obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Art and Music.

While in college, Fran was introduced to Chuck Mitchell. Chuck became her best friend and the love of her life. Fran and Chuck were married at St. Michael's on June 13, 1970, in an ecumenical service. The service was officiated by Monsegnior Thomas P. Scannell (Mrs. Mitchell's Catholic Priest) and the Right Reverend Raymond Davis, Rector of Truro Episcopal Church (Mr. Mitchell's Priest). The recessional "Let It Be" by the Beatles was a favorite song chosen by the bride and groom. A reception followed at Birdwood Farm in Catlett, Virginia, the estate of Mr. Mitchell's grandmother. In 1976 the couple purchased a log cabin shell in the wilds of the Catoctin Mountains in Lucketts, Virginia, where they lived happily ever after. They spent many hours together enlarging and improving the original structure.

After establishing residence in Loudoun County, Fran worked as an advertising editor for Loudoun Times Mirror. She later started her own company, "Advertising Management Associates", a marketing and graphic design agency based in Paeonian Springs, Virginia. Her friend and business partner, Brenda Douglass, worked with her for the entire duration of the business. Husband Chuck was privileged to work with Fran and Brenda for 10 of those years as the marketing director. Chuck then left to gain his credentials to enter service with Loudoun County Public Schools working with at-risk teens. After 22 years of working and building their business, Fran and Brenda decided to close the agency to pursue personal interests.

Having gained a love of gardening from her grandmother, Fran joined the Loudoun County Master Gardeners. She became a certified as a Loudoun County Master Gardner, pursuing her love of gardening and horticulture. Fran was an active member of St. David's and St. Gabriel's Episcopal Churches. She provided pro bono graphic design projects for both churches and th Master Gardeners.

She thoroughly enjoyed traveling. Her travels led to some very memorable times. In 1986 she and husband Chuck traveled to Tahiti to view Haley's Comet. They were fortunate to be able to spend their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary in Amsterdam and Paris. While in Holland, they attended a Rolling Stones concert, obtaining back stage passes. Their anniversary dinner was served exclusively to them in the turret room of a castle in Nimagen, Holland. The two made numerous trips to Disney World and sailed on several cruises. The highlight of all cruises was the Land and Sea Package in Alaska which culminated in a swim in the Beauford Sea at Prudo Bay on the North Slope. This swim earned them their Polar Bear Patches.

Fran loved music. She strived to gain tickets to every major rock show starting with the Beatles and Rolling Stones in 1964. She attended her final concert on October 1, 2009, enjoying the performance of the rock band, U2.

Fran was a woman who was incredibly strong; showing great strength in character. She had a radiant smile that reflected the flowers that bloomed in summer. But she had a gentle spirit. She was a generous person who truly loved people. All who knew her will feel a void in her passing. But she will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Fran is survived by her husband and best friend, Chuck; her brother and sister – in – law, Tom and Cindy Johnson of Spotsylvania, Virginia; her nieces Taylor Ann and Wendy; and her very close friend Brenda Douglass.

A memorial service will be held on November 1, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. in St. David's Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn, VA 20147. A reception will immediately follow at St. Gabriel's Church at Belmont Ridge Middle School in Landsdowne, VA.

In honor of Fran's life and love of gardening, flowers will be received. Those who wish may also donate in her name to the Loudoun County Master Gardners 30 Catoctin Circle, SE Suite B, Leesburg, VA 20175 or St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church Music Ministry, 14 Cornwall St. Leesburg, VA 20176.