Frances V. (Robinson) Tarby, 107, passed away at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, on Monday, August 15, 2022, surrounded by her devoted family. Frances was born on October 11, 1914, to the late Ward H. and Ida (Piper) Robinson in Worcester, MA. Frances graduated in 1933 from the High School of Commerce in Worcester, MA and was known as a “witty, cheerful, talkative, popular Miss”. Frances pursued her passion for Nursing and graduated from Boston City Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating, she started her career as a Registered Nurse in Worcester, MA.
In 1941, Frances married her childhood friend William “Mike” Tarby. In November 1942, Frances and “Mike’s” daughter Patricia was born, while “Mike” was serving his Country in World War II. “Mike” returned home to his loving wife and daughter and in 1948, Frances and “Mike” welcomed their son Michael.
Frances enjoyed sewing, especially clothing for her children and was an active member of All Saints Church in Worcester, MA along with her children and husband. Frances volunteered much of her time to the youth programs of the Church as she had a passion for guiding young children in their faith. Frances also led Girl Scout troops for many years at the church.
After a 30-year Nursing career, Frances retired from Nursing to join her husband “Mike” in a consulting business, which lead to the purchase of the first PIP Printing Franchise in Western Massachusetts. In 1976, Frances and her beloved husband “Mike” retired to travel the world.
Frances assisted her husband in leading the Brothers of Saint Andrew’s Chapter at St. Barnabas & All Saints Episcopal Church of Springfield, MA. There, she was a member of the Wednesday Church Service Woman’s group where she would assist in driving members to and from services and luncheons. She was an active member of the Daughters of the King as well as a vestry member for many years. In 2015, Frances became a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in East Longmeadow, MA after the closing of St. Barnabas & All Saints Church.
In 1988, Frances lost her beloved husband and soul mate, “Mike”. In addition, Frances is predeceased by her brother Ward Robinson, Jr., sister Margaret Robinson and a grandson, Vernon Chester III.
Frances always stressed how her family was the light of her life and that her love for God was limitless. Frances is survived by her loving children Patricia Chester and her husband Gus of Springfield, and Michael Tarby and his wife Vicki of Ludlow. Frances leaves her three cherished grandchildren Mark Chester and his wife Pamela, Tara Dias and her husband Carlos and Nicole Antaya and her husband Raymond. Frances leaves six, adored great-grandchildren Ian, Justin, Nathan, Victoria, Olivia and Owen. She also leaves her sister-in-law Margie Robinson of Beverly, MA. Frances was honored to be called “Mom” by Robert and Claudia Pelzek and “Grandma” by Jason, Ashley, Adam and their respective families.
The Family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at CareOne at Redstone for their loving and compassionate care of Frances.
Family and Friends are invited to gather Monday, August 22, 2022, from 4-6 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 10 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 Porter Road, East Longmeadow. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in memory of Frances Tarby.