OBIT-Frances R. Navins, 91, b:New London, CT
Frances R. Navins, of Westborough, formerly of South Byfield, died Friday, April 9, 2010, in her 91st year. She was the wife of the late Howard J. Buster Navins of 64 years. She is survived by two sons, Richard R. and his wife, Mary Patricia, of Wellesley, and Peter L. and his wife, Mary Colt, of Wayland; five grandchildren, Matthew R. and his wife, Jamie, of Salem, David M. and his wife, Katharine, of Marblehead, John E., C.J. and C. Lee, all of Boston; and a great-granddaughter, Lily Garrett Navins, of Salem. Fran was born in New London, Conn., attended the public schools in New London and graduated from Connecticut College in 1940. Fran moved on from Connecticut College to teach French at New London Junior College after having achieved the distinction of being the highest successful candidate in Connecticut for the state certificate in the teaching of French. Fran and Buster were married in June 1943, and took up residence in South Byfield where Buster was a member of the faculty of Governor Dummer Academy. While fulfilling her duties as a faculty wife to a tee, Fran also managed to devote herself to raising her two sons and countless hours to her community, serving as president of the League of Women Voters and as a member of the Triton Regional School Planning Committee. An avid gardener and reader, she was a longtime member of the Newburyport Garden Club and Study Class. Recognizing Frans love of books and her level of commitment to Governor Dummer, former Headmaster, Valleau Wilkie Jr., during his tenure, appointed Fran as the Academys librarian, a post she held for many years, and in which she thrived. Following their retirement from the Academy, Fran and Buster traveled extensively and continued to share their well-honed communication skills while conducting effective speaking seminars for executives across the country on behalf of Arthur Sager Associates. For the last 12 years or so, Fran was a resident of the Willows in Westborough, and most recently, the Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, on the same campus. Despite having to cope with significant physical limitations, Fran, nevertheless, soldiered on, forging new and lasting friendships and actively participating in the life of the community at large. A graveside service was held Monday, April 12, 2010, in Groton, Conn., for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Governors Academy to be dedicated to its library, and should be sent c/o the Development Office, The Governors Academy, Byfield, MA, 01922.
The Wayland Town Crier from April 18 to April 25, 2010