Montpelier, VT Frances R. Rockford of Montpelier, Vermont died January 22, 2016 at Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home in Burlington, Vermont. Fran was born on December 3, 1934 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Floyd and Edna (Wright) Reed. She was the youngest of 3 children and was pre-deceased by her brother, Harold and her sister, Eleanor. Starting early as a hard working woman, Fran waited tables and worked in the family restaurant serving the students at the college in Amherst Massachusetts. Looking for her next challenge, Fran went to work for Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut. Finding her way to California, Fran later joined the Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica. Working her way up at Douglas over 15 years, Fran was promoted, ultimately, to Facilities Engineer. Fran relished the role supporting the 4,000 member Engineering team in the Missile & Space Systems Division. While at Douglas, Fran met fellow colleague, William H. Rockford, Jr. on a blind date with other colleagues in 1956. After traveling separate paths for about 10 years, Fran and Bill met again in 1966 through mutual friends. Enjoying each other's company and traveling, the two were married in June 1967 in Santa Monica California at the First United Methodist Church. Fran and Bill had a son, William, born in 1970. Deciding they wanted to return to the east coast, Fran and Bill moved to Montpelier Vermont in 1971 to raise their son. Wanting to be involved in their new community, Fran volunteered almost immediately with the 'Welcome Wagon' which visited and welcomed new residents to the city. Going back to work, Fran started as an Administrator for the school system and later joined New Hampshire Insurance Company retiring from there in the early 90s. Always active in the community and wanting to help others, Fran worked or volunteered with the Central Vermont Hospital auxiliary, Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, spending much of her time at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Enjoying travel, and wanting to see more of Vermont, Fran and Bill joined the Vermont 251 Club in 1977. Later the two took over operating the Club, with Fran acting as Assistant Secretary. Taking their adventures further afield, the pair joined the Passport Club which took them to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Russia, and across much of Europe. The trips Fran enjoyed the most though were their regular trips to Maine. The family wishes to thank the wonderful and caring staff and volunteers of Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home who welcomed Fran with open arms and surrounded her with love. A brief service and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 30 at 1:00 PM at Guare & Sons / Barber & Lanier, 30 School Street, Montpelier, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St, Montpelier Vermont, 05602 or the Patient Activities Fund, Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home, 43 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, VT 05408.