Frances H Harwell

On December 23, 2013, at her home in Arlington, VA, Frances H. Harwell, or “Fran” to those who knew her, peacefully passed away after a brief illness, with her loving family at her side. Frances was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Hawes.

Fran graduated in 1940 from Aldie High School in Loudoun County, VA. A year after graduation she moved to Washington D.C. where she worked for the War Department and later the Food and Drug Administration. In 1948, she married her beloved husband of 40 years, Oliver “Rusty” Harwell, predeceased.

Fran was an active member and volunteer at Little Falls Church in Arlington, VA since 1955. She enjoyed her weekly preparation of 130 meals for the Youth Club. She also chaperoned many dance canteens over the years and served on numerous community youth councils.

She became the Church Secretary in 1967 and continued in that position until 1982. She was employed by the Department of Interior until her retirement in 1989.

After retiring, Fran or “Mimi” as she affectionately became known, enjoyed spending time growing tomatoes and going to Camden Yards to cheer on the Orioles. But there was never a more devoted Washington Redskins fan than Mimi.

She is deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her sons, Oliver (Sandy) of Arlington, VA., Thomas of North East, MD., and daughter, Rebecca Harwell of Fenwick Island, DE. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Bonnie D’Orazio, Ian Harwell, Katie English and Joshua Fiddler as well as five great-grandchildren, Jason Hwang, Kristopher Boling, Brenden, Avery and Emmalynn English.

There will be a celebration of her life at Little Falls Presbyterian Church, 6025 N. Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA on Saturday, March 29th, at 1:00 PM. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made to The Humane Society of Fairfax County.