Alice "Frances" Tirrell Mielke, age 98, died on May 27, 2011. Frances was the wife of Edward Shaw Mielke, who predeceased her in August of 1986. Frances was a longtime resident of Falmouth, MA. Prior to residing in Falmouth she lived in Abington, MA with her husband Edward Mielke. Recently, Frances lived in Barre, VT with her daughter, Carole. She was born on September 16, 1912 in South Weymouth, MA, the daughter of James and Alice (Powers) Tirrell. After graduating Weymouth High School, she attended the Bryant Stratton Business School. Subsequent to graduation she took employment with the Bryant Stratton Business School and briefly worked in Boston at the New England Council. She married Edward Shaw Mielke on Sep 1,1937. After their marriage, they moved to Brazil where Ed worked for Pan American Airlines and where their daughter Carole was born. While living in Brazil, the ever-independent Frances worked for the US Embassy while her husband built radar stations in the Brazilian Jungle. After returning from Brazil they lived in Abington, until the family moved to their summer home in Falmouth, MA. Approximately 1960 she began work as a bookkeeper for Falmouth Water Department, she worked there until she retired in 1982. She enjoyed a life long love of music and was a member of many chorus groups including the Interfaith Chorus in Falmouth. She was also a soloist for the Christian Science Church in Falmouth. Frances, particularly enjoyed sewing and spending time with the "Friendly Circle Ladies", a women's church group of the 1st Congregational Church of Falmouth. Frances was always active in local community events. She was a former member of the Woods Hole Golf Club, an active contributor to local church events, an avid bridge player an accomplished seamstress and knitter, as well as a constant presence in the life of her friends and family. Survivors include her daughters: Carole A. Mielke of Barre, VT, Dianne Paskow and her husband Howard of Wallace, NC, grandson, William Shaw Paskow and his wife Kelley and their daughter Abigail of Milford, KS, granddaughter and Jessica Anne Paskow of Redlands, CA. Additionally, she leaves nieces and nephews, Marjorie Oberlander and her husband Chet, Bonnie Tirrell, Martha Budrow, Linda Kleitz and her husband Del, James Tirrell, John Tirrell and Theodore Tirrell. Her brothers James, Russell and David Tirrell and her sister Helen Nardone predeceased her. There will be no calling hours. A committal service will be held 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Abington, MA. A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the 1st Congregational Church of Falmouth, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to "Friendly Circle Ladies", c/o 1st Congregational church of Falmouth, MA, located at 68 Main Street, Falmouth, MA 02540 or "Project Independence" where she enjoyed the company of fellow senior citizens over the last six months. Project Independence is located on 81 North Main St, Barre, VT 05641. Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.