Frances Balsley Bisselle

FRANCES BALSLEY BISSELLE, “Fran,” 93, passed away peacefully in Rockville, Maryland on December 11, 2021. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother known for her dedication to her family, friends, and volunteer work. She is survived by her children Mary Elizabeth Bisselle, Kathryn B. Bisselle, Thad R. Bisselle (Susan), and Robert B. Bisselle (Marion), six grandchildren, and three grandchildren-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ashford Bisselle, parents Jacob Benjamin and Mary Rankin Balsley; brothers Robert, Thomas, and Jacob Balsley, and grandson William Carpenter.

Fran was raised in Reidsville, North Carolina and graduated from Montreat High School (Ashville, NC) and Queens University of Charlotte, (Charlotte, NC)

She was ever the creative spirit, as evident of her love for painting. Her paintings were captured by her still life paintings and with backdrop of landscapes. Fran’s faith in Christianity was evident in her extensive service for the church. Fran was an active parishioner of Bethesda Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon and Elder. Fran served as Secretary and President for the Montgomery County Heart Association. Her bridge adopted a charitable focus through fundraising for Florence Crittenton, an organization dedicated to providing family services. Fran was particularly proud of the 1977 International Eye Foundation "Eye Ball" gala she chaired with hosts Elizabeth Taylor and Senator John Warner.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the International Eye Foundation. Condolences may be sent to the family through josephgawlers.com