S Frances Hughes Washburn

HUBBARDSTON – Frances Rebecca Hughes Washburn, 84, of Old Princeton Road, a 54-year resident of Hubbardston, died Sunday, November 5, 2006, in the Leo LaChance Nursing Home, Gardner, after an illness.

She leaves her husband of 57 years, Frank Hall Washburn III, First Sergeant U.S. Army (RET); her daughter, Cynthia Washburn-Doane and her husband Alfred of Hubbardston; and her granddaughter, Caroline W. Doane of Hubbardston. Her granddaughter, Rebecca C. Doane, died in January of 2004. She was born in Austin, Texas, the daughter of Otey and Dainty Iris (Guilliams) Hughes, and was a graduate of Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas.

Mrs. Washburn was a secretary and stenographer for the Federal Civil Service for many years. In the 1950’s she worked for the Inspector of Ordnance in Worcester U.S. Army; in the 1940’s for the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S. Navy, where she met your husband; and during World War II for the U.S. Army at Camp Bowie in Texas. She was a member of the Congregational Church and later become active in the Federated Church and First Parish Unitarian Church on the Common, all in Hubbardston. She was an election worker for the Town of Hubbardston for over 40 years. She loved camping, boating and gardening with her husband; and refinishing furniture. She had many friends and was a friend to all.

The funeral service for Mrs. Washburn will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 10, in the First Parish Unitarian Church on the Common, Main Street, Hubbardston. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Worcester Road, Hubbardston. Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Washburn’s name may be made to the Rebecca C. Doane Scholarship Fund, c/o G.F.A. Credit Union, Attn: Hubbardston Branch, P.O. Box 468, Gardner, MA 01440.

Webiste & Guestbook: www.milesfuneralhome.com