Frances Atwell Raflo, who died March 1, 2012, in Annapolis, Md., was born September 17, 1922, on a farm on Evergreen Mill Road south of Leesburg, Virginia. She was the youngest of ten children born to Charles and Ruth Dodd Atwell. After graduating from Leesburg High School in 1939 and working in Leesburg for several years, in 1947 she married Frank Raflo and the couple ultimately became co-owners of Raflo's Clothing Store in downtown Leesburg. Raflo's eventually would expand to include the Budget Shop (also in downtown Leesburg) and a store in newly-developing Sterling Park during the 1960s. From 1972 to 1978, Frances was director of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, work that led to many years of interest and involvement in promoting Loudoun history, tourism, and local businesses. In connection with those interests, Frances also spent time working for the Loudoun Land Institute and Oatlands.

Frances was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; a devoted worker in her community; a caring and generous friend to many; and one of the strongest and most resilient people you could ever meet.

Frances was preceded in death by son Philip in 1977, daughter Jo in 1985, and husband Frank in 2009. She is survived by son Paul and his wife Barbara; son Alan; sister Margaret Woodzell; grandson John-Paul and his wife Amy; great-grandchildren Delaney, Jo, and Luke; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 3, noon, at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg. For people who wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family invites them to make a donation in Frances' memory to their favorite organization that seeks to help and strengthen communities, families, or people in need.