Frances D. Aley Obituary

Frances Darr Aley, 63, died peacefully in her sleep Sunday, November 12th at Devon Manor in Devon, Pennsylvania after a wonderful birthday weekend with her five children, their spouses, and her seven grandchildren.  Francie had recently discovered that she had lung cancer and moved to Pennsylvania for treatment and to be closer to her family.

Born November 10, 1943 in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, Francie was the daughter of Frederick and Caroline Darr.  She grew up in Pennsylvania and was the valedictorian of her high school class.  She graduated with a BA from Penn State and a Masters in School Library Sciences from Simmons College.

Francie married G. Thomas Aley, Jr. in 1963 (later divorced) and with him, had five children.  She raised her children while dedicating her life to public school libraries.

Francie worked in libraries at the elementary and middle school levels for twenty years in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.  She moved to Boothbay Harbor, Maine in 1991 and was the Library Media Specialist there for the past fifteen years. 

Francie transformed the library system at Boothbay Region High School with the generous and continued support of the community.  She oversaw the outfitting of the high school with its first computers, high speed internet access, a media lab, and a new library wing.  In recognition of her contribution to the Boothbay region school system, its students, Maine libraries, and library science in general, Francie was awarded with the 2002 Walter J. Taranko School Library Media Specialist of the Year award.  She was a regular presenter at state library conferences and was a presenter at the American Association of School Librarians 2005 National Conference.

Her survivors include her five children:  Daughter Dana Smith, her husband and two children; son Tom Aley, his wife and three children; son Darr Aley, his wife and two children; daughter Cara Aley and her fiancé; and son Doug Aley and his wife.  She is also survived by two of her golden retrievers, Grayfriar’s Bobby and Tamnavulin who were loyal companions until her death.  Francie was a beloved mother and friend to all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Boothbay Region High School gymnasium.  This will be directly followed by a reception in the library to which Francie devoted herself.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Francie’s memory to the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund, P.O. Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.