Frances H. MacDonald

Frances H. MacDonald, née Frances Marion Halverson, passed away at home in the early hours of August 5, at age 98. She was born in Chicago, IL on November 29, 1918 to Ethel and Morris Halverson.

Her mother died of tuberculosis in 1925 and Fran and her older sister, Dorothy, moved to Beloit, WI where they were raised by their Aunt Mary and Uncle Barney Nelson. There, they also lived with their cousin Earl, who treated them like sisters.

Fran married James W. MacDonald, II (Jim) on August 9, 1941 and they were married 67 years until his death in 2009. They had twins in 1949, James and Susan. The family lived in Chicago until 1960 when Jim was transferred to Paris, France. They lived in Paris until 1975 when they retired to Flat Rock.

Early in their marriage, Fran worked as a secretary for the Law School dean and Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin. In Paris, she was very active in the American Cathedral and the American Women's Group, where she served several years as President. Still, her primary responsibility was always her family.

When Fran and Jim retired to Flat Rock, they immediately joined St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church. She was responsible for the flowers there for over 20 years and served on several other committees. She wasa founding member of the Ladies' Aid Society and volunteered at the Book Exchange for many years. She served as the first treasurer of the American Scandinavian Foundation, Western Carolinas Associates for more than a decade.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; aunt and uncle; sisterDorothy and two-half brothers, Bob and Jack; cousin-brother, Earl, as well as her beloved Jim. She is survived by her son, James, and his wife Inna, of Exeter, England;and her daughter, Susan of the home. She is also survived by her nephew, Alan, of Blair, WI; her niece, Janice, of Beloit, WI; her half-sister Marilyn of Chicago; and Earl's daughter Pat of Venice, FLas well as their offspring.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at St. John in the Wilderness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Flower Fund or the Music Program at St. John in the Wilderness, P.O. Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731; or Four Seasons Hospice Foundation, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.