Frances Marie Silk (nee Nelson), born July 19, 1932, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024. Frances was a spirited, independent and tenacious woman with a quick wit and a fabulous sense of humor. Those qualities sustained her throughout her life.

Her life began as an orphan at St. Ann’s Infant Home in Washington, D.C. At age 3, she was adopted by Marie and John Nelson. Her new life was filled with loving parents, dance classes and vacations to the beach. Tragically, her father died in her arms while they were playing in the ocean. Frances was only eleven. With a strong spirit, Frances supported her mother, Marie, during those difficult times. Even in her teens, Frances helped her mother rearrange their home so they could take in boarders.

With all these responsibilities, a determined Frances still enjoyed her years at the Academy of the Holy Cross and was president of her senior class.

In 1952, she married her beau, the handsome Robert Silk. Bob and Frances started a family and moved to the sleepy community of Kensington, Maryland. Frances and Bob reared six children, and Frances took care of all household projects including renovations. She painted walls, refinished furniture, made hats, helped with school science projects, and she never missed putting dinner on the table for eight people.

Frances loved Kensington, and she lived there 69 years. Her Catholic faith was prominent in her life, and she was a member of Holy Redeemer Church. She volunteered, tirelessly, for many years at Holy Redeemer Church and Holy Redeemer School.

In her 40ś, Frances started a successful career as a real estate agent. As an agent for over 40 years, she was one of the top agents in Montgomery County multiple times. She retired at 83 years of age.

Frances enjoyed life, and her favorite hobby was her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than family gatherings. She entertained the grandchildren with Frafas (Frances) stories, road trips and ingenious games at Christmas.

In her retiring years, she still loved dancing and music. She especially loved the musical entertainment that Kensington Park Senior Living provided.

Her family will miss her beautiful blue eyes, infectious smile, but most of all her unending love.

Frances is survived by her six devoted children: Ann Marie Greaney, Maureen Bates (Patrick), Robert Silk, jr. (Martha), John Silk (Annie), William Silk (Helen) Patricia MacTigue (Andrew) In addition, she was the cherished grandmother to seventeen grandchildren , 17 great grandchildren and one beloved grandson in heaven.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, September 11 from 5 to 8 pm at Holy Redeemer Church. 9715 Summit Avenue, Kensington, Md., and a Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:30 am on September 12.  A live stream of the Mass can be viewed by following: https://www.youtube.com/live/DZVYSonMd5c

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Ann’s Infant Home, 4901 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville Md. 20782