Frances Ann Moro, originally from South Deerfield, passed away at the age of 83 on June 17, 2025. Residing in Leesburg, Florida at the time of her passing, Fran's life was a testament to compassion, dedication, and quiet strength. Born on November 11, 1941 in Springfield, MA and raised in Northampton, MA, Fran married her beloved husband, Donald Moro in 1962. Together they built a life in South Deerfield anchored in devotion, community, and faith.

Her professional journey began when she graduated from Providence Hospital School of Nursing in 1961, launching a career characterized by a genuine commitment to her patients. Fran excelled as a pediatric nurse, sharing her expertise first in local hospitals and later at Deerfield Academy, where her career spanned over three decades. Her impact on those around her was profound, marked by a gentle yet effective leadership style that endeared her to colleagues and patients alike. Her outstanding skills are fondly remembered by the 1000s of students she counseled, cared for, and mothered. In addition to her contributions in healthcare, Fran shared her love of music, directing the St. Cecilia Choir of Holy Family Church and lending her voice to an array of choral groups, including Greenfield Harmony and Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus, and later in the Hawthorne at Leesburg, FL Kitchen Band and Community Chorus.

Fran's service to God extended beyond music, as she played an active role at St. Stanislaus Church, later known as Holy Family Church in South Deerfield. She volunteered extensively within the parish, including as President of St. Anne's Sodality. Her generous nature was also felt at the South County Senior Center and in the Deerfield, Sunderland, and Whately communities, where she volunteered as a nurse, ever ready to offer care to those in need.

Fran and Don traveled extensively during their married life, enjoying trips with friends and family to Europe, Hawaii, Bermuda, and the West Coast. Each summer, they traveled with their daughter's family to Maine and Cape Cod, where Fran enjoyed lobster rolls, puzzles, and board game nights. Fran and Don also enjoyed visiting their two sons and their families in Virginia and New Jersey. Fran's lifelong dream to live in Florida came true in 2016 when she and Don moved to Hawthorne at Leesburg. She was immersed in the community there and will be missed by her many friends there.

Above all else, Fran found her greatest joy in her family. She was a proud Nana of six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and three step-greatgrandchildren. An ardent supporter of her grandchildren's activities, she learned the sport of field hockey and enjoyed traveling throughout New England to watch her granddaughters play. She helped homeschool her granddaughter, Renee, and enjoyed many adventures with her and her sister, Anna. She also looked forward to her trips to NJ and VA to support the achievements of her grandchildren there. Much to the surprise of her family, Fran became a devout Boston Red Sox fan in her later years, and was even able to attend a spring training game in FL with her daughter and son-in-law last year.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anna LeDoux McGuire and Eugene LeDoux. She is survived by her three children and their families: Donald Moro, Jr. and wife Debby of Richmond, VA; David Moro and wife Luz of Somerset, NJ; and Lisa Ballou and husband Alan (her "third son"), of The Villages, FL, with whom she lived. She was a beloved Nana to six grandchildren: Bailey Moro, David Moro, Jr., Isabella Moro, Nicole Ossenfort (Thomas and children Catalina and T.J.), Nicholas Ramos (Angela, and son, Nicholas), Anna Ballou, and Renee Ballou. She also leaves her cherished lifelong neighbors and friends, Bill and Carol Walker of South Deerfield. She will be deeply missed by her cat, Mindy-Sue, and her grand-dogs, Stella and Tenny.

Fran's courage shone brightly as she bravely battled pancreatic cancer for over two and a half years, navigating the challenges with unwavering grace. Though she faced a stroke and hip fracture during her fight, Frances remained a testament to the strength found in faith and family. A celebration of her life will be held at Holy Family Church in South Deerfield, Massachusetts in July. Reflecting on Frances' life, we are reminded of the solace found in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." May Fran find rest and peace, forever remembered for the gentle strength and courage she shared with us all.

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