Frances Bragg, artist, writer and humanitarian, Dies at 108.
Frances Clara Kiefer Bragg of Cambridge, MA passed peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2016 just 15 days before her 108th birthday. Since her birth, there have been 19 Presidents, 11 amendments added to the Constitution, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii and New Mexico became States, Haley’s comet passed the earth twice, television was invented, man landed on the moon, two world wars, the advent of the internet and cell phones, the Titanic was built, sank and was made into a movie.
Born in Brookline, MA, on March 26, 1908, she was a graduate of Brookline High School and Smith College with a BA in French.
Fran drew people together with her social narrative, ripe with anecdotes, creating a web of lifelong connections wherever she went. Her passion for language and communication was enhanced by her work, starting at the Lowell Institute Cooperative Broadcasting Council, public radio preceding WGBH, (1947-49), French Dept. at Wellesley College (1949-52), History and Literature Dept. at Harvard University (1953), Harvard Business School/Istanbul University (1954-55), Modern Language Center, (1956 -1960), MIT Dept. of Aero and Astronautics (1960 – 1972).
Fran was active in her community, including service as board president of the Margaret Fuller House and the Cambridge Art Center as well as active participant in the League of Women voters, the Cambridge Civic Association and Municipal affairs, she was acclaimed as “Miss Clean” in the Cambridge Chronicle for exposing waste fraud and abuse.
An active fund-raiser for her alma mater, Smith College and the Cambridge Unitarian Church, she was also a citizen of the world, having traveled across the United States and to Europe, The Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Central America, among other destinations and speaking French, German, Italian, Russian and Greek.
He was a generous hostess opening her home to those who visit Cambridge, from Harvard University Professors to relatives of patients at Mount Auburn Hospital.
Fran was well-loved as a raconteur, accomplished artist, entertainer, humanitarian service and writer. Her mostly biographical essays, vividly reflecting the times and localities, are treasured by the Schlesinger library at Harvard University.
Predeceased by her loving husband, Edward Kendall Bragg, (1946) and dear daughter, Sally Baker, (1962), she leaves her partner Gerry Nolin, daughter Betsy Bragg, grandchildren Thomas Kendall Lindsley and Sarah Allen (Bruce), John A. Baker III (Arlene), Kendall Baker (Sonia), Andrew Baker (Andrea), Malcolm Baker (Christina), great-grandchildren Jane and Ray Lindsley, Jack Allen, Chris, Maria and Zoe Baker, Jasmine Baker, Alec Henry, Isaac Henry, Isaac Baker, Maya Winfrey, Marjorie Winfrey Birke (Sebastian), Ellie and Colin Baker, and great-great grandchild Louis Birke, and many loving and dear friends.
Her secrets to longevity were her positive attitude, quick sense of humor, exercise (walking and yoga) as well as eating very little, and a stiff drink now and then.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on her birthday, Saturday, March 26th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Cambridge Homes, 360 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Parking will be available at the lot next door. If the gate is not up, just press the button and state that you are attending an event at The Cambridge Homes and they will grant you access.
In lieu of flowers, give to a charity of your choice in her name.
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