Frances Joan Blackwell-Allan

Frances Joan Blackwell-Allan (nee Stephens) came into this world in The Bronx on Halloween night 1938, a night still reeling from the confusion and alleged mass hysteria caused by Orson Wells’ “War of the Worlds” radio drama. She was the fourth of five children born to John & Anne May Stephens.

Fran is preceded in death by her siblings Charles, Nancy, John, and Joseph, as well as her ex-husband Don Blackwell…to which she had been known to say “I win!”. She was also predeceased by her eldest son Christopher, and by the embodiment of kindness, generosity, and patience, her beloved “Mr. Fantastic”, Ed Allan. After the death of her loving husband Ed, Fran moved to VA to be near her children.

Fran is survived by her remaining children Michael Blackwell & wife Wendy, Diane, and Steve & wife Jennifer, her step children David Allan & wife Margo, Barbara Allan & husband Greg, Beth (Allan) Mortenson & husband Wayne, as well as ten grand children, and (so far) nine great grandchildren.

Fran enjoyed her Real Estate career in the Danbury/Ridgefield CT area for over 34 years with many awards, including Realtor of the Year. She was President of Amos House, a charity helping homeless women and their families transition to permanent homes. She was a founding member of the Candlewood Lions Club in New Fairfield and served as president. She had a love of kayaking, gardening, dancing, sailing, traveling the world …and mostly…Willie Nelson. She loved to sing despite not being able to carry a tune but she never let it stop her from sharing her own joyful noise…at 6am…when her kids were still trying to sleep.

By her request, there will be no service. Donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, an organization close to the hearts of she and Ed as they were active participants with the charity when they were younger helping build houses for those in need.

The family of Fran wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Crater Community Hospice for their amazing dedication and quality of care of our mother and family as she transitioned to end of life care.