Frances Ainley McDowell

Frances Ainley McDowell

Frances Ainley McDowell passed away on March 12, 2025. She was born in Providence Rhode Island on August 19,1935 to Catherine and Reginald Ainley. She received her BSc in Nursing Education and her RN from the University of Rhode Island. She leaves her husband of almost 68 years, David Quincy McDowell, and five children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Frances taught clinical nursing at the Nursing School associated with St Mary’s hospital in Rochester until her children arrived. She later worked as a full and part-time school nurse in various schools in Monroe County and as a Hospice nurse at Shepherd Home in Penfield NY.

Frances had been a Girl Scout as a youth and when her girls became eligible for Scouting, she became actively involved in what would become a lifetime commitment. Over the years she was a Troop Leader, a Service Team Leader, a Trainer, and she served for 9 years on the Council Board of Directors. She also led or actively coordinated many Council and Inter-Council activities. She attended 5 Girl Scout National Conventions. For 15 years she was the Penfield coordinator for the International Exchange program with Girl Guides in the Hamilton Ontario area. She is the recipient of the Girl Scouts Thanks Badge, the Girl Scouts Thanks Badge II, and the Presidents Lifetime Volunteer Service Award. At the time of her passing she was still actively involved in the GSWNY Archive Committee.

Frances was heavily involved in the activities of One World Goods for 25 years, both as a store volunteer and in various committee leadership roles. She served on the OWG Board of Directors for 13 years where she was the Secretary for 6 years.

Frances was a member of the Gamma Sigma Gamma Alumnae Chapter of her collage Sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. She has been part of the leadership team for the Chapter and has been the Treasurer for 35 years.

Frances was a member of the Fairport Branch of AAUW where she served as Treasurer.

Frances and David are long time members of the Downtown United Presbyterian Church and one of its predecessor congregations, Central Presbyterian Church.

She loved her family, and enjoyed needlework, cooking and entertaining. Whenever, family was in town was an excuse for a large family dinner around the kitchen table. She also enjoyed travelling and was able to travel extensively with her husband, both domestically and internationally, during his involvement with industry associations.

A memorial Service will be held at Downtown United Presbyterian Church at 1:30 pm on April 12, 2025. A reception will be held following the Service in the Hallock Lounge.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to One World Goods, 3349 Monroe Ave, Rochester NY 14618, Girl Scouts of Western NY , 3495 Winton Pl Building C, Suite 2, Rochester, NY 14623, or Shepherd Home, 1959 Five Mile Line Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

Interment will be at the convenience of the family.