Frances Evelyn Timmins

On July 9, 2024, Frances “Fran” Timmins passed peacefully, falling asleep in earthly rest and waking in her heavenly home. She has rejoined her beloved husband, Merrill S. Timmins, who preceded her in death 11 months ago. She is deeply missed by her daughter, Laura E. Routson and son-in-law, Todd K. Routson. She was affectionately known as Mimi by her grandchildren: Claudia E. Routson, Kyle X. Routson, and Grahame B. Routson. Also, surviving her are her sisters and brothers, in-law and otherwise: Barbara and Rick Brenner, Cindy Jones, Carolyn Timmins, and Craig and Ginnie Timmins. She was also blessed to be an aunt to: Adam, Amanda, Miglena, Lisa, Paul and Sara.

Fran loved to live a busy life filled with community. She was active in many lady’s groups, often volunteering to plan special events. She hosted lovely afternoon teas and coordinated a few fun weekend retreats. She was a true artist with an eye for beauty and design. Most notably, she made exquisite quilts, with her Baltimore Album quilt being selected to hang in the Maryland Governor’s Mansion in Annapolis. She enjoyed playing bridge in several groups and was active in several quilting guilds and her beloved “Garden Club”. She was active in the women’s groups at Bishop Cummins and St. Stephen’s churches.

Fran was the ultimate hostess. Whether it was an elegant Christmas Open House, a Thanksgiving Dinner worthy of a spread in Gourmet magazine or an Independence Day Cookout with crab soup, slushes, and croquet, her entertaining was an immersive experience where her love for family and friends was demonstrated through delicious food and happy smiles.

She maintained a successful career as a bookkeeper, serving many local businesses. She was avant garde, being ahead of the curve to transition from the old practices to the use of a computer. Her spirit of inquiry and ability to explore and self-teach kept her on the crest of the technology boom. She also defined the idea of working from home decades before the COVID shutdown. She valued being a wife and mother as much as she loved the satisfaction of her career.

She and her loving husband were a beautiful partnership. They shared their joy for their creative talents, encouraging one another in their several pursuits. Together they made beautiful homes in Catonsville, Deep Creek Lake, Sykesville, and even Central Florida! In their mutual retirement, they enjoyed traveling the country and world with friends and spending time with their grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Bishop Cummins Reformed Episcopal Church, 2001 Frederick Road, Catonsville MD 21228 on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 10 am with interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 2800 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg, MD 21048. Visitation will be held at Candle Light Funeral Home on Monday, July 22, 2024, 4-6 pm.