Mary Frances Fox

If you knew Mary Frances Fox, you were blessed. A strong, compassionate woman, she was a loyal friend. Deeply religious, Mary Frances had a warmth that spread to those around her.

The 1920’s were one of the pinnacle eras in the history of the United States. The Great War was over, and the rise of film, radio, the beginnings of television, and the ready acceptance of the telephone and electricity set the stage for many great things to come. Francis M. and Philomena (Lyon) Cameron lived in Hornell, New York, 60 miles south of Rochester, known as the "Maple City" because of its maple lined streets. Living in this idyllic setting, Francis and Philomena were awaiting a great event of their own – the birth of their 5th child. On February 22, 1921, Mary Frances made her arrival, the youngest of the Cameron’s five girls. Big sisters Mary, Margaret, Martha and Ruth were excited with their new sister, and later the only brother – Robert or “Bob”, joined the family.

Mary Frances and her siblings grew up during the Depression, and although their father was a district attorney, it was still difficult to support a family of 8. But Mary Frances was taught by her parents to share whatever she had, and the family home was “marked” by hobos traveling through the area. They would leave a special sign to other “travelers” that this was a place where they would be given food. Young Mary Frances carried this lesson with her throughout her life.

As a young girl growing up Hornell, New York, Mary Frances loved clothes and playing dress-up and especially playing tricks on her sister Ruth. Being the youngest girl, there were times when Mary Frances would need a place to go to sort things out. Her favorite place was on top of Hoboken Hill.

She went to St. Ann’s grade school and graduated from Hornell High School. From there she went on to study nursing at St. James Hospital. She was always very proud of her education and the skills of caring and compassion that she had learned. While on a trip to New York City, Mary Frances was riding on a ferry, and met a young man named David J. Fox. David was from Indianapolis and was in New York learning the insurance business. It could have been love at first sight, for the couple were immediately attracted to each other and married in New York. Mary Frances always said that the best day of her life was the day she met David.

The newlyweds moved to Indianapolis and made their home there for the rest of their married life. Mary Frances loved a big family and over the next 17 years, she and David would have 7 wonderful children – Raymond, Bruce, Johana, Mary Ellen, Patrick, Marianne, and Michele. Her children were Mary Frances’s most cherished possession and she would have done anything for them. Having been brought up in a family with strong values, Mary Frances expected the same of her own family. Meals were eaten at the dinner table and everyone was supposed to be on their best behavior. She was the disciplinarian. But Mary Frances’s wonderful cooking always rewarded “sitting at the table with good manners”. She made delicious spanish rice, warm and chewy oatmeal cookies, and tender veal birds.

Mary Frances had always been a devout Catholic. Part of the daily ritual was for the family to kneel in the living room and say the rosary together. Even family friends and neighbors who stopped by the Fox residence near the dinner hour knew that they would be included in the evening prayer. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Indianapolis and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin. She had also been president of the Newman Guild at Butler University in Indianapolis. As devout as she was, Mary Frances also had a carefree side. She loved to sing, go to parties and to the theater, any activity that involved enriching her friendships. She loved clothes and keeping up on the latest fashions. She even made her own hats and modeled them at the Indianapolis Athletic Club.

Sadly, Mary Frances’s beloved David died in 1974. This was a most difficult time for her and the entire family. Mary Frances and David had been very much in love. However, her seven children continued to brighten her life and she was very proud of all of them and their many achievements, including presenting her with 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mary Frances Fox was a very generous, giving person who always cared for the needy. Her favorite charity was St. Vincent de Paul.

Mary Frances Fox, 83, of Indianapolis, died September 13, 2004. Mrs. Fox was widowed to David J. Fox, who preceded her in death in 1974. Her family includes her children: Raymond F. Fox, Bruce Fox, Johana White, Mary Ellen Trahin, Patrick D. Fox, Marianne Turley, Michele Dusing; sisters Margaret Johnson, Ruth Andrews; 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Friends and family will gather on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St.. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Catholic Church. Please visit Mary Frances’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, arrange for flowers, or make memorial contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society.