This is one of the stories that stayed with me after reading the book. Her philosophy of “doing what is needed at the time” resonated with me, plus the impact she made in the third quarter of her life (which is where I’m at right now) is inspiring. Thanks for sharing the story again, and happy new year!
This is really an inspirational profile, thank you for it. I love the idea of circular leadership and less hierarchical organizational structures. An amazing life lived, and an honor to have met her I’m sure! 
One of my patients turned 100 years old recently, and I wrote a brief post about it, although she lived a much less well-known life, a lot of Frances’s story resonated with what I learned from listening to my patient. Even the most obscure little conversations with members of this disappearing generation can be enlightening and inspirational. 
This story and Range as a whole keep popping up in my thoughts as I'm running my business and parenting. Range has inspired me to start blogging, with a focus on the intersection of my work in psychiatry with life and culture topics. I'm working on growing my audience. Would you consider recommending my blog, Olio of Thoughts? I'd be eternally grateful for the reciprocity!
Thanks, David. Every time I come across her story through your work, I feel rejuvenated and inspired all over again. "Doing what's needed at the time" is such a wonderful guiding philosophy, and it's so encouraging to see someone do so much good with so little personal ego or ambition. If I could ask a quick question, with these anecdotes I can't help but admire your storytelling skill. I realize this sounds a little corny, but one of my goals/resolutions for the year is to become a better storyteller (both in writing and verbally). I know you've talked in the past about actively studying plot development and storytelling through reading fiction and other ways, so I was wondering: do you have any advice on what resources (books, videos, whatever) I could use to to try improve?
On a more personal note, your end of year remembrances have been such a meaningful and unique set of posts. Kudos to you for so deftly honoring these people you know and admire.
John McCutcheon wrote a wonderful song - "The Greatest Story Never Told" and it's about unsung heroes - and such is usually the case. I love this post and will be reading others, Thanks, Mark
David, your title nails it, she lived a remarkable life. The one thing that stands out from reading this story is her ability to see things so clearly for what they are in the moment. I am sure many others tried to diagnose the same circumstances differently, and without success prior to her. I am convinced people like Frances, who can clearly think through and diagnose large issues, have a superpower.
You encourage sharing Range Widely, so I did. As with many publications this time of year, one of the others I follow - Slack Tide by Matt Labash - was doing a year end retrospective of notable people who had died, though much of this accounting came in the form of a well written piece the author had done several years ago, because his points about how these deaths affect us are valid in any year.
I'm re-posting what I wrote in sharing your accounting of this remarkable woman's story in the comments there, minus the link to Range Widely at the end. It accounts for what I think of her life. Thank you so much for telling us about it
Of all the notable stars that flickered out in our world this past year, I doubt this one will be noted nearly as much as it should be, since it didn't shine in the firmaments of sports or pop culture or celebrity. And that's a shame. Because although there will never be anything even approaching a heaven on earth, it won't be because of people like this, whose star is no doubt shining in its rightful and well-earned place now.
Selling camps out from under girls and communities who relied on them to experience nature, build leadership, and form community was a bad move. Scouting is not supposed to be about selling out and lining the pockets of executives.
This is one of the stories that stayed with me after reading the book. Her philosophy of “doing what is needed at the time” resonated with me, plus the impact she made in the third quarter of her life (which is where I’m at right now) is inspiring. Thanks for sharing the story again, and happy new year!
p.s. I love her quote on leadership.
"Your names are on the rivers." Wow, just wow. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing Frances’ story. Her life is so inspiring- the kind of leadership she cultivated is what we need today. Happy New Year!
This is really an inspirational profile, thank you for it. I love the idea of circular leadership and less hierarchical organizational structures. An amazing life lived, and an honor to have met her I’m sure! 
One of my patients turned 100 years old recently, and I wrote a brief post about it, although she lived a much less well-known life, a lot of Frances’s story resonated with what I learned from listening to my patient. Even the most obscure little conversations with members of this disappearing generation can be enlightening and inspirational. 
https://mccormickmd.substack.com/p/one-hundred-long-years
She was truly an inspiration. My favorite quote:
Great leaders make people’s strength effective and their weaknesses irrelevant.
Wonderful story of leadership and authenticity! Thank you for sharing Frances’ story!
This story and Range as a whole keep popping up in my thoughts as I'm running my business and parenting. Range has inspired me to start blogging, with a focus on the intersection of my work in psychiatry with life and culture topics. I'm working on growing my audience. Would you consider recommending my blog, Olio of Thoughts? I'd be eternally grateful for the reciprocity!
Thanks for the work you do, David!
Thanks, David. Every time I come across her story through your work, I feel rejuvenated and inspired all over again. "Doing what's needed at the time" is such a wonderful guiding philosophy, and it's so encouraging to see someone do so much good with so little personal ego or ambition. If I could ask a quick question, with these anecdotes I can't help but admire your storytelling skill. I realize this sounds a little corny, but one of my goals/resolutions for the year is to become a better storyteller (both in writing and verbally). I know you've talked in the past about actively studying plot development and storytelling through reading fiction and other ways, so I was wondering: do you have any advice on what resources (books, videos, whatever) I could use to to try improve?
On a more personal note, your end of year remembrances have been such a meaningful and unique set of posts. Kudos to you for so deftly honoring these people you know and admire.
Thank you for highlighting this again, David. Such an amazing story.
John McCutcheon wrote a wonderful song - "The Greatest Story Never Told" and it's about unsung heroes - and such is usually the case. I love this post and will be reading others, Thanks, Mark
Growing people, on purpose, because we can, defines greatness to a T
David, your title nails it, she lived a remarkable life. The one thing that stands out from reading this story is her ability to see things so clearly for what they are in the moment. I am sure many others tried to diagnose the same circumstances differently, and without success prior to her. I am convinced people like Frances, who can clearly think through and diagnose large issues, have a superpower.
You encourage sharing Range Widely, so I did. As with many publications this time of year, one of the others I follow - Slack Tide by Matt Labash - was doing a year end retrospective of notable people who had died, though much of this accounting came in the form of a well written piece the author had done several years ago, because his points about how these deaths affect us are valid in any year.
https://mattlabash.substack.com/p/making-it-through-this-year-if-it
I'm re-posting what I wrote in sharing your accounting of this remarkable woman's story in the comments there, minus the link to Range Widely at the end. It accounts for what I think of her life. Thank you so much for telling us about it
Of all the notable stars that flickered out in our world this past year, I doubt this one will be noted nearly as much as it should be, since it didn't shine in the firmaments of sports or pop culture or celebrity. And that's a shame. Because although there will never be anything even approaching a heaven on earth, it won't be because of people like this, whose star is no doubt shining in its rightful and well-earned place now.
Selling camps out from under girls and communities who relied on them to experience nature, build leadership, and form community was a bad move. Scouting is not supposed to be about selling out and lining the pockets of executives.