Mary-Frances "Fran" Lindsley MacKie, 90, of Farmington and formerly of Avon, beloved wife of
the late Alexander "Don" M. MacKie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (October 17, 2012).
She was born to George W. and Muriel (Abbott) Lindsley on September 11, 1922, in St.
Johnsbury, Vermont. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and Montreal Business
College. After graduation, she was employed by Western Union and spent several years as a
reporter, columnist and photographer with the former "Hartford Times."
Fran began her 25-year career with the Town of Avon as Registrar of Voters, retiring in 1985 as
Collector of Revenue. Recognized as a "Hometown Hero" in connection with Connecticut's
350th birthday celebration in 1986 and Avon Citizen of the Year in 2001, she was very proud of
her community. Fran wrote "Avon, Connecticut, an Historical Story," considered the definitive
record of the community, which was published by the Avon Historical Society in 1988. She
belonged to numerous town committees including as chair of Avon Land Trust and member of
The United Way, West Avon Garden Club and Avon Historical Society. A member of West Avon
Congregational Church since 1951, she served as its clerk and as chair of the Board of
Trustees. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Fran is survived by her sons, Donald MacKie and his partner Caryl Niek of Avon, and Alexander
"Sandy" MacKie and his wife Michelle of San Francisco, California; her daughters, Elizabeth
MacKie and her husband Joseph Venturato of Ridgefield, and Jane MacKie and her husband
Joseph Farrell of Lafayette, California; eight grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth MacKie; Alexandra
and Francesca MacKie; Emily, Erin and Peter Venturato; and Brian and Andrew MacKie-Mason;
as well as her sister, Gayla Rivard of Lyndonville, Vermont; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters, Lillian Aronson, Muriel
Starr and Elizabeth Sierman.
A Memorial Service and reception will be held on Sunday, October 21, at 12:30 p.m. at West
Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT 06001. Burial will follow in West
Avon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church.
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