Frances Smith Eastman, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Cornish NH on May 23, 2008.

Born September 23, 1917, daughter of Evelyn and H. Glendon Smith,

Frances was predeceased by husband Guy W. Eastman, formerly of South Reading VT, four sisters and one brother, and survived by one sister and best friend, Linda Eastman, and her husband, Walter Eastman, Guy’s brother, of Woodsville NH.

She will forever remain in the hearts of her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Robert Forrest, of Burlington, VT, and her son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Karen Eastman, of Cornish NH. Affectionately known as “Grammy Peanut”, she leaves treasured memories for her four grandchildren, Deborah Dickerson, along with husband Matt, of Bristol VT,

Michael Forrest and wife Kathy of Hatfield, MA, Meredith Arguelles and husband Ken of Miami FL, and Allison Eastman, of San Francisco CA; five great grandchildren, Thomas, Mark, and Peter Dickerson, and Solana and Aviana Arguelles; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

After graduating with honors from Windsor High School, Frances worked as bookkeeper for Kiniry Hardware, Agway, and the Daily Eagle, followed by several years at Sylvania, finally retiring from Tambrands in 1982.

Descended from early Cornish residents, dating back to the 1700’s, Frances had many lifelong interests, foremost among them gardening, a talent passed down from her mother, a founding member of the Cornish Garden Club, and grandmother and namesake Frances Duncan,  a famous horticulturalist, author, magazine editor, and suffragette, as well as member and frequent garden designer for the Cornish Colony in the early 1900’s. Fran was also an avid reader, accomplished artist, and nature photographer, often inspired by the mountains, flowers, birds, and animals visible from her front yard. A prolific cook and crocheter, she was renowned for homemade pies, breads, and preserves, especially her red pepper jam, and colorful afghans, elegant doilies, and Christmas snowflakes, now treasured family heirlooms.

Devoted to her extensive family, Frances was always more interested in giving than receiving, offering her home for gatherings and holiday celebrations, sharing her boundless love, candid observations, and ever-present bowl of candy. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her, and missed sincerely by those lucky enough to have been related to her.

By her request, there will be a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, a

contribution may be sent to Connecticut Valley Home Care, 958 John Stark Highway, Newport, NH 03773-2609 or Sullivan County Hospice, P.O. Box 1247, Claremont, NH 03743.  both sources of great comfort during Fran’s final months.