Frances Wilson Leavenworth's life ended peacefully and unexpectedly last month. She is survived by her daughters, Elaine (Russ Jensen), Becky Cain (Jim), and Tracy (Mary Gilmore); her grandchildren, Samantha and Tyler Watkins; and her many dear and loving friends. Fran's numerous, meaningful contributions will be greatly missed by her loved ones and those in the community. Her long and dynamic career of public and community service was dedicated to solving challenges in local government, economic development, health care, domestic violence, and the arts. Her public service started with teaching and evolved into political and campaign work in the 1970's. She retired from political and public service in 2006 after over three decades serving in the government arena, including eight years in the Tioga County Legislature, two as Chair. She helped found the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance and has served as its President since 2003. She was an energetic and effective organizer who found common ground to forge coalitions across many diverse groups. She applied these same skills to solve challenges in the health care arena with organizations such as the NY-Penn Health Systems Agency, the State Hospital Review and Planning Council, the Board of Trustees of the Upstate Medical Center, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and the National Association of Local Boards of Health. She served for many years on the Board of A New Hope Center and the Tioga County Council of the Arts, and was a Board Member of the Bassett Youth Foundation.
 Funeral Services were held at Allen Memorial Home. Memorial donations can be made to Duke University Chapel in memory of Frances Wilson Leavenworth, (919) 684-5955, www.chapel.duke.edu; New Hope Center, (607) 687-6887; or the Tioga County Council on the Arts, (607) 687-0785.