Frances Ellen Marshall

FITCHBURG- Frances Ellen (Harrington) Marshall of Fitchburg, MA, was born September 15, 1923, to Ellen Belle (Smith) Harrington and Frank Alvin Harrington in Whitman, MA. Frances graduated from Whitman High School in 1941 as Class Valedictorian, the first of three Harrington sisters to achieve this honor (Ruth in 1944 and Evelyn in 1950). At graduation, she received the English Prize, the U.S. History Prize, the Women’s Club Scholarship, the Cardinal Spellman public speaking prize, and the Lowell Medal for Highest Excellence. Frances was also the piano accompanist for the Glee Club. She graduated from Simmons College (now University) in 1945. She graduated in 1946 from Beth Israel Hospital Internship in Dietetics program. She pursued further studies at Fitchburg State University and Framingham State University. During college, Frances worked as a waitress at the famous Toll House Restaurant in Whitman (home of the Toll House cookie) for 3 years. Frances served as a dietitian at Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg, MA for 4 years and a teacher at the Fitchburg State College Junior High and McKay Campus School in Fitchburg for 18 years. Frances married Alfred A. Marshall of Fitchburg on April 29, 1950. They lived their entire married life on the Marshall Farm (growers of apples) on Marshall Road in Fitchburg, a most beautiful place. Alfred Marshall passed away on October 11, 2005. Al and Fran enjoyed many winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and happy summers at their cottage in Chatham on Cape Cod, where many great family gatherings took place with children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends from across the country. They also loved traveling to many countries. In later years, Fran devoted much time to knitting for various charities, especially supporting local library fundraisers. She was a member of the American Dietetic Association, American Home Economics Association, First Parish Church of Fitchburg, Fitchburg Historical Society, Friends of the Fitchburg Public Library, Leominster Homemakers, University Women, and Board Member at the Cedar Street Home. She leaves her daughter, Betsy C. Chipman and her husband John of Fernandina Beach, FL; two sons, John A. Marshall of Ashby and James R. Marshall and his wife Judy of Leominster; her grandchildren, Julie Peterson and her husband Travis of Jacksonville, FL, Scott Chipman and his wife Joanna of New Freedom, PA, Amy Grant and her husband Robert of Westminster, Chad Marshall and his wife Kassi of Tolland, Sarah Marshall of Worcester, and Laura Marshall of Nashua, NH; her great-grandchildren, Lillian Grant, Madelyn Grant, Garrett Chipman, Tristan Chipman, and Charles Marshall and her sister Ruth M. Powell of Braintree, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Evelyn Abbott of Kent, OH; her brother George D. Harrington of Morris, NY; and her son-in-law John Chipman. A private graveside service will be held in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Fitchburg. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army of Fitchburg

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Frances Ellen Marshall

September 15, 1923 - April 24, 2025