1929-2007

Frances McEvoy was a member of NCGR since 1975, President of its Boston Chapter since 1979,  and on the NCGR National Board of Directors since 1981.  She was the editor of NCGR's Geocosmic News and Geocosmic Magazine for a number of years.  Frances began studying astrology in 1949 and had been practicing the art on a daily basis for over 50 years. Frances was a teacher and author as well as an internationally renowned lecturer.

Author of The Power of Yods and Quincunxes, first introduced as a handout for UAC 98, Frances wrote extensively for major astrological publications, including Dell Horoscope, Today's Astrologer (AFA), and the Boston Chapter's The Astrologers' Newsletter.  As a journalist, she also wrote for the Boston Herald.

Frances is listed in the 1997 International Who's Who of Intellectuals as well as 2001 edition of International Authors and Writers.  She was the recipient of  the David Williams Award in 1994-95, and the Torch for Global Inspiration Award from American Biographical Institute in 1999. Additionally, she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Frances McEvoy was born in Arizona and grew up on a cattle ranch outside of Phoenix., the daughter of James L. Coman, and Pearl C. Coman.  She was the State and National 4-H Dairy Champion, and as a result was awarded a scholarship to Arizona State University where she graduated in 1951.  

She started her study of astrology in 1949 with the late Grant Lewis while a student at Arizona State U. Upon her college graduation, she boarded a train to Boston determined to establish a career in journalism. She made New England her life long home and continued her studies there with Isabel Hickey.  She was influenced profoundly by the late Dane Rudhyar during the brief time he was in Boston in the late '50s.  

Prior to her marriage to the late Joseph F. McEvoy Jr. in 1956, she worked as a political correspondent, press secretary to Senator Leslie B. Cutler of Needham, and reporter for the Somerville Journal and Waltham News Tribune. Fran and her husband of 41 years split their time between their Belmont home and their house on Scraggy Neck in Cataumet, MA.

After devoting herself to the raising of her three children, she returned to journalism, writing feature articles for the globe magazine, to her artwork, and to expanding her research and teaching in astrology. Frances did graduate work in psychology and history and also studied at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, becoming a portrait artist as a hobby.  

Frances was a recognized an expert in the field, exhibiting an extraordinary breadth and depth of knowledge of astrology, astronomy, history, psychology, mythology and art. “She found symmetry and common tenants in these areas weaving them into a comprehensive world view” said long time friend and student Sally Pelliccia. Throughout her life she was a loving mother and grandmother and an unconditional supporter to a very large circle of friends.

Her husband, an attorney, became ill with Parkinson's in 1995 and died on 10/07/1997.  In May 2005, after a biopsy of a large growth in her lung/windpipe area, Frances was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins' lymphoma, a rare type called mantle cell, stage 4.  On May 17, 2005 she had her first chemotherapy treatment.  The warm and generous astrologer lost her battle with cancer on December 10, 2007. She passed away at 11:38 AM EST at her Belmont, MA home with family and friends at her bedside. 

 

A prolific writer, ardent data collector, and wise teacher, she generously shared data and her knowledge of astronomy and astrology with colleagues and students.  She was devoted to her beloved art and to the astrological community, especially to NCGR and its Boston Chapter. Frances lives on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

 

 

 

 TRIBUTES:

From NCGR E-News:

 

Frances C. McEvoy, a one of a kind Astrologer's Astrologer. When I arrived on November 30th to speak for the Boston Chapter on the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction, the house was filled with astrologers for their regular Friday night class at the McEvoy residence in Belmont. Frances was like a kid. "Have you seen the newsletter?" she asked. "It's all about the solstice and the full moon, 'blood on the moon'" (a reference to the Mars conjunction). "Yes, I have Frances, it's very good", I replied. And I meant it.

 

 Frances is hard to describe, probably because her contradictions made her so very unusual. An unlikely astrologer if ever there was one, another woman of her station, means, and breeding would have been fine with leading a socialite's life and doing whatever New England women of status- with families do.

But Frances, an astrologer's astrologer, wasn't even faintly interested in a life so shallow. She'd rather talk about charts. Her way of name-dropping, was to describe her early years as a "Joseph Campbell groupie", and to tell tales of studying with Grant Lewi. When she spoke of the late Lois Rodden, she proudly exclaimed, "We were COLLEAGUES." Indeed they were. It was Frances who would frequent the county clerk's window and pay for long form birth certificates so that the astrological community would have accurate data, and those all-important but hard to get birth times to work with.

 

Many words and qualities come to mind when I think of her: Grace, breeding, brilliance, infinitely curious, elegant, eloquent, spunky, dedicated, literate, articulate, devoted, engaging, generous, hospitable, dignified, loyal, scholarly, decent, and grand. Perhaps her finest quality is that she had a way of bringing out the best in everyone. She held a community together, in her Taurean home, for almost 29 years. Though I will miss her terribly, I'm so grateful for having known her and for having the gift of her friendship.  God Bless you always Frances.

 
Shelley L. Ackerman

 

* * *

 

I first became aware of Frances McEvoy in 1995, when we both shared the AFA's Lt. Commander Williams award for writing the best Bulletin articles that year.

 

Since then, I have always wanted to meet her in person, as I admired her writing so much. Well not only did I get to do that at the last NCGR Board meeting in the Boston area, but she very graciously invited me (a complete stranger) to stay at her lovely home then. We were going to share a room together in Denver at the UAC conference next spring, and I was so looking forward to having the pleasure of spending some more time with her. So needless to say, I am very sad that she was taken from us this week. I just hope that she didn't suffer too much going through her ordeal.

 

But knowing Frances, she will start an NCGR chapter in heaven, and get everyone up there organized, busy and productive!  

 

Jan Warren Allen .. NCGR PEP CHAIR and SIG COORDINATOR


 

* * *

 

Frances McEvoy - A Remembrance

I first connected with Fran sometime in the mid-seventies when I saw a flyer in an occult bookstore in Cambridge about the moon in the birthchart.  I called the number and she invited me to her weekly class in her home in Belmont.  From that point on, I never stopped learning from her on many, many levels. She believed our teacher/student relationship was fated because I was born the day she graduated from college.  Our birthdays are one day apart and our ascendants oppose - hers in Aries, mine in Libra.  Her Saturn at 29 Sagittarius in the 9th opposes my Venus at 29 Gemini in the 9th.  She was my teacher and mentor even after I relocated from Boston to Los Angeles in 1983. 


Since that year, we spoke on the phone every ten days or so, and met at astrological conferences throughout the US, as well as in Los Angeles when she would visit her son, David, who lived here for a number of years.  There was always a theme to our telephone conversations: from declination and out of bounds planets, to planetary nodes, and/or some other subject of current interest.  She was verbally agile with imagery, and was able to weave wonderful symbolic stories as metaphors for the mythological energies depicted in charts. Her perspective on history with planets and their aspects was phenomenal, and her writing ability legendary. She worked tirelessly for NCGR and was dedicated to maintaining a high quality of integrity within the organization.


Frances was mother, sister and teacher to me and I will miss her sense of humor and our long telephone calls, which always ended with "love you."  She faced her illness with optimism and positive thought which no doubt kept her with us much longer than the doctors predicted. Fran always said, "If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would like to come back as a musician next time, because it's a better life all the way around."  I think of her now as being "up there" with her beloved stars.


Susan Allen

 


* * *

Hi my NCGR friend:

 

    I was invited to do a workshop in Boston by Frances during 1994 and did do the workshop about relationships in June of 1995 for the Boston NCGR chapter. I still have the copy of the letter from Frances dated 9/22/94, in my journal, inviting me to speak in Boston. I really enjoyed her down-to-earth personality. She made me feel very welcomed as a speaker.

 

Frances was a very inspiring person. Her presence will be missed by many, but her spirit will live on through those of us who knew her. I feel fortunate to have had several stimulating communications with Frances over the years. I know I have benefited greatly from her encouragement of my work. She had a wonderful intellect and a big heart.

 

Bernie Ashman

 

* * *

 

I was singing a Sufi Prayer "May the Blessings of God Be Upon You," to Fran in my bathtub...with the soothing echo permeating, soaking in lavendar salts, and realized I was tuning into a familiar Fran ritual.  How often would we be ten minutes into our phone conversation, and Fran would announce she was in the middle of taking a bath and that she was already supposed to be someplace else running an errand!  And then Fran would engagingly proceed discussing amicably everything from astrology, to politics, to family, to work, to commiserating, to accolades about someone, and back again to astrology for another 30-40 minutes!
 
Fran once remarked she regretted having not spent more time painting. I would suggest she did paint every day, as people from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes and with different strengths and abilities, opened her door and freely stepped across her threshold, turning the corner and seeing her golden hair and (maybe) red dress and warm smile and the leap in her eyes when she saw you.  Every day she painted a tapestry with the people nearby and afar with whom she connected.  She was a master astrologer and teacher, and also cultural icon, 'setting the table for the way to learn,' through a circle of diverse friends, a beautiful home, lily of the valley fragrance trimming her walkway, homemade minestrone soup and quiche, and sunlit room lined and toppled with books and people, and a humanity on fire with curiosity.  My dream:  an NCGR conference dinner beautifully flowered with glorious food with an open 'empty chair' at the table in the midst of peers and signifying Fran and with a toast in her direction - to the supreme, epicurean, geocosmic-cultural artist.
 
I believed steadfastly Fran would survive her illness.  Some would say it was denial, others ignorance about the power of cancer, but Fran would say it was because of my Leo Sun, because "Fire signs think they are going to live forever."  Well, Fran will continue to make a difference in my life, through her teachings and the love she imparted, not only to me but to the cosmos of friends and stars.  Is that not living forever?...As she shines from every direction - above-below-the east-the west-the south-the north-and within.  With love and appreciation, Barbara Johnson, Cape Cod, MA
 

Debbie Bailey
 
* * *

 

What an astrologer, what a woman, what a Taurus!  Frances was the center of a world  built and maintained with unceasing Taurean determination and astrological passion. 

 

I heard so much about her before coming to speak for the Boston  group last April. We had the equivalent of an e-mail  wrestling match that lasted many months,  before she decided to offer an invitation and then get me to agree to things I had no desire to agree to. I understood it as a rite of passage into the realm of her very gracious hospitality.

 

And Frances left with the chart of some egyptian queen: the triple conjunction of
Moon Pluto and Jupiter, and Sun on the MC. In certain spiritual traditions the moment of death is of great significance. She certainly chose her moment, even if she would have wished to stay, and we would have wished to keep her.

 

Lynn Bell

 

* * *


My name is Alyssa Couture.

 

I met Frances at two Astrology meetings in Belmont, MA. We spoke briefly, but I did get the chance to see her sparkling nature and her radiant glow. Frances bless your heart and soul. Frances is a divine light and she will continue to spread her love upon the Universe infinitely.

 

* * *

 

I attended Fran's funeral today and it was beautiful.  As I was driving home and thinking about her and all she gave throughout her life, I looked up to the sky and there were fireworks!  I kid you not.   I feel she is in a safe place and reuniting with all her students who left this earth before she did. 

 

Betsy Davis

I joined her seminar about Yod in Baltimore, she has a very soft voice and compassionate approach. During the seminar I asked her "how can we deal with our Yod in chart ? "she told me that "we can not deal with it". At that time it was difficult to understand for me but in time I understood that she was mensioning acceptence and being one with it. 

 

Meltem Erdag Ersoy 

Istanbul - Turkey 
 

* * *

 

My favorite memory of Frances was about 4 years ago when I was riding with her through Boston traffic on the way to one of her favorite places, the hall of records. I had found a copy of my grandfather's death certificate in my Mom's papers which had surprisingly said he had been born in Boston. Frances was determined that we should look it up and without plans we jumped in her little hatch back and started off. Along the way I looked at the paper closely for the first time and it did not exactly tell the birth day. It said my grand father had died on a particular day when he was so many years, so many months and so many days old. Frances is barreling along the highway, skipping across three lines of traffic to an upcoming exit and she starts calculating the birthdate in her head. No way could I keep up!!

 

Frances was very generous with her wisdom and her hospitality. She called personally to welcome me to the board and invited me to stay with her during my first meeting. On several other occasions she invited me to stay with her and took me on several tours of Boston and the Cape. Because I was a Scorpio I got to see the grave yards and I enjoyed a Kennedy themed trip with Jan Warren Allen that involved driving through several restricted, no entrance signs. She loved chatting about charts and astronomy. She had a way of making things understandable and personal. She liked to emphasize the positive in one's chart and I of course liked her telling me about my "genius aspect". She was an adamant fighter for keeping the "geocosmic" in the NCGR's name and focus. She felt that studying the cycles and movements in the heavens should be basic to our astrology studies. She was a walking ephemeris and was inspiring when she described the pictures of the "out of bounds" moon.

 

Frances embodied a Taurus tenacious and stubborn holding on to life. She was always the voice of and defender of NCGR chapters. She was determined to keep the quality of NCGR publications high. No matter what the discussion at board meetings we had to answer to Frances on these two issues. I was privileged to room with her at the Baltimore conference last spring. She was having trouble with her energy but she was practicing her lecture and doing charts out loud in her sleep. She spent a lot of time chatting with everyone and she thoroughly enjoyed dressing for the banquet in finery and trimmings that had seen campaign functions. She was valiant in her struggles with this cancer.  I visualized her as a huge tree holding on with strong roots. It must have been quite difficult for her to let go. "Yes I just received your newsletter Frances"." I will miss you. Good luck with your coming journey. I am sure you will experience it with great heart as well as a great sense of adventure and curiosity. Thank you for your friendship and your hard work."

 

Linda Fei

 

* * *

 

Most of the times I've been invited to speak for the Boston NCGR, I had the pleasure of enjoying Frances McEvoy's hospitality for the weekend.


She was a gracious, easy-going hostess, and I never failed to learn something new about astrology from her, usually before we hit our second cup of morning coffee. Her opinions were strong and salty, and we didn't always agree completely. That was where the fun would start. She could argue brilliantly, but she was always eager to learn. I admired her soulful intellect, her open-minded approach, and her devotion to the betterment of our craft and our community. I will miss her very much.


Steven Forrest

 

* * *

 

I met Frances through my sister Jennifer, who'd known Frances for years.
Jennifer had told me she had a friend who'd grown up in this Southwestern town, next to Phoenix, that has become my home.


In the evening that I spent with Frances in her comfortable, well-lit, warm home, I had a deep sense of a woman who had a true vocation for friendship, who had learned to listen with deep empathy, who could be at once profoundly present in the moment and capable of thinking of other worlds and people, seeing their intersections with the present. An old soul, with a young and agile mind. She told me a bit about her life in Arizona, making me see more clearly than many, what this state was like, when it had been a state for only a generation or two.


I'm grateful for the friendship that Frances extended, for the community that she identified and created, the love she showed and the wisdom that she developed. What a generous legacy.

Elizabeth Horan, Tempe, AZ

 

* * *

 

I first met Frances over twenty years ago when I stepped foot inside the astrological salon she held every Wednesday at her home. It was a brisk day, Ronald Reagan was midway through his first term as President, and I was an intellectually aimless twentysomething hungry for astrological insight.   The transits and synastry of our first encounter were certainly auspicous:  Neptune  in the last degrees of Satgittarius, atop my Jupiter and Frances' 9th house Saturn.   Do you understand why I say I feel truly blessed to have known her?  For the next twenty plus years I never had a conversation with Frances-no matter how fleeting or how given over to seemingly mundane matters-in which I did not learn something of value,.

Not that peace and harmony always prevailed in these conversations.  That retrograde Saturn  in the ninth was her most elevated planet, and it was inconjunct Mars in the fourth.  Frances could be agressive in asserting the authority of her point of view (and, I hasten to add, others have said the same about me).  But, at least in my conversations with her,  I never sensed that she believed her astrological knowledge entitled her to the same respect accorded Grant Lewi or Dane Rhudyar.   That she had studied with both men was a source of enormous pride to her, of course.  But, to be blunt,  I always felt that 9th house Saturn trine Neptune looked up to men as the true Teachers, men who lived far away.  She saw herself, ultimately, as a student. 

 I've spent the last few days digging out and reading old newsletter articles she wrote, some dating to the early 80s.  I've learned a lot from Rhudyar, and Lewi, and others, but it was from Frances that I learned "air signs truly believe that a book can be judged by its cover."  And that an inconjunct does not weaken the energy between two planets, but supercharges it.  That the triangular shape of a a grand trine means the native is able to maintain "inner stability," "endure," and "avoid confrontation."  Will these and other astrological insights stand the test of time?   Look at the chart of her physical death.   Just hours after a new moon, a Sagittarius stellium straddling the midheaven is also conjunct Frances Saturn.  The illumination of the galactic center is harnessed to the mundane but unstoppable force of an out of bounds, void of course Sagittarian Moon.  It looks to me as if the astrology that Frances understood, practiced, and taught will live forever and spread far beyond the confines of her immediate circle.

 

Jennifer Horan

 

* * *

 

Frances was determined, endearing and brilliant.

 

She was determined with her joie de vivre, her opinions and stubborn qualities.  She was endearingly curious about people, endearingly appreciative of their diversity, and endearingly able to make people feel special.   She was brilliant in her intuitive gut-level knowing.  She was brilliant when she walked into a room, and she was brilliant when she encouraged others to be themselves, to be their best.

 

From that lofty 9th house place, she was a wise and steady mentor to so many.  Her greatest gift was that she walked the walk: she believed that the best use of her position in life (her galactic presence) was to empower others, and she did that beautifully, with grace and charisma.

 

--Paula R. Gassmann

 

* * *

I first met Frances in 1986 and was struck by her grace, elegance and ntelligence. As many others have said, Frances has probably forgotten more astrology than most of us ever knew. She was incredibly proud of the fact that she studied with Grant Lewi (who wouldn't be?). She was totally devoted to the Boston Chapter of NCGR and to the NCGR publications. For many years, Frances edited the Geocosmic News and later the Geocosmic Magazine. Every one of her issues was an intense labor of love and she looked at them with as much pride as she did her
own children.

Frances also had her exasperating side, especially when it came to technology. For instance, her computer wouldn't let her make copies of documents onto those floppy disks to the complete chagrin of the NCGR publications production department. And, it took a long, long time before we could coax her onto email. And, when she finally got the hang of it, she'd sometimes Reply All when she really shouldn't have. But, Frances' zeal for NCGR more than made up for these little foibles.

Although she was quite ill for a long time, her death came as a shock to many of us because, in typical Taurean fashion, she seemed too stubborn to let cancer win. It is so fitting that Frances made her transition with the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction at the Galactic Center that she had been anticipating for such a long time. The timing makes me believe that cancer didn't win at all but that Frances chose to leave on her own terms and with her usual flair.

Madalyn Hillis-Dineen
Chair
National Council for Geocosmic Research, Inc.

 

* * *

 

 

In November 1986 I walked into Frances McEvoy's house for a Friday night astrology class. It was my first astrology class and marked the beginning of a 21year student/teacher friendship. I'm eternally grateful, because I've benefited tremendously not only by her vast astrological knowledge but equally by the example she gave of what it means to be a dedicated teacher. Frances was a person of integrity, grace and fierce loyalty to her students. She was willing to be involved in our everyday lives, supporting us through our challenges and our hardest times, and providing guidance when we lacked clarity. It didn't matter if you lived in Boston or lived 3,000 miles away, you could count on her being easily accessible in your time of need. As she was for me when I faced a life threatening illness.

 

Frances was more than a teacher and a mentor, for she spoke to our beings as well. She saw things in us that we didn't even see in ourselves and she would stick with us until we could see our potential and demonstrate it. She gave unconditional support and for that I'm profoundly grateful.

 

Frances was truly a Renaissance person, one of those remarkable beings of broad and deep intellectual abilities, equally accomplished in both the arts and sciences. She embodied the spirit of her heroes, Joseph Campbell and Dane Rudhyar. As Joseph Campbell once said: "Any life career that you choose in following your bliss should be chosen with that sense that nobody can frighten me off from this thing. And no matter what happens, this is the validation of my life and action." As a young adventurous girl, after graduating from college, Frances courageously followed her bliss, by boarding a train in Arizona and heading for Boston to seek her life's destiny. She followed her hero's heart.

 

Devika Jones

 

 

* * *

 

 My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew, loved and worked with Frances far longer than I have. I feel I have lost a friend, colleague and mentor. I drove from the Cape to Belmont for three years and for the last four, I've been driving down from Vermont to NCGR Boston Chapter meetings. From almost the very beginning of joining that circle, Frances took me under her wing, introducing me to other members as well as the presenters. She always made a point of saying I had either come all the way from Nantucket, or all the way from Vermont, and she always asked me if I was coming to lunch with the group and then invited me back to her house after the workshop. I enjoyed many late suppers with Fran, the presenter, and other Boston members.


   Her Venus in Aries was exactly trine my Sun and Ascendant in Sagittarius, which her Gemini Moon opposed. The Taurus took care of, encouraged and believed in this Sadge. Fran delighted in details and was generous with her knowledge and encyclopedic memory, often sharing both during late night phone calls. She got a kick out of my being related to Abiah Folger, Ben Franklin's mother and was always trying to find a book on Franklin that she had somewhere in her house for me; we almost found it last May! She was the teacher and I the diligent student. Often she nudged me beyond my comfort zone. I was honored that she believed enough in me to put me on the Advisory Board of the Boston Chapter. Fran pressed me to write more and I'm trying to do just that, a little everyday.


   There are so many memories of Fran popping into my head the last 2 days that make me smile, then cry or laugh. I'll miss her warmth..., her generosity of spirit..., her stubbornness..., her example..., her comments from the back of the room at Belmont Library..., and her kind concern..., but most of all, I'm going to miss seeing her phone number on the caller ID at 10 o'clock at night.


With Love & Thanks to Fran~  Suzanne Keating
   

* * *

 

Frances was one of the sweetest, kindest and most helpful people that I ever knew. When I asked her for help on an article about Juno, she not only sent me her insights, but  she sent me a book and directed me to other resources.  She was a fine lady. The astrological world has lost one of its lights.

Ninah Kessler

* * *

 

It's hard to believe that Frances has passed.  It is hard to imagine astrology in Boston without her.  Frances has been dedicated to the astrological community for so long.  I have memories of Frances going back to the 1970s, before the Boston Chapter of NCGR existed.  We first met during the time I was a Board member and then President of the New England Astrological Association.  I was one of the original members of the Boston Chapter when it was formed (September 29, 1979, at 12:37 PM in Belmont) and have been on the Chapter's Advisory Board for many years. 

 

In all the time I've known Frances her life was dedicated to astrology.  She worked tirelessly to spread astrological knowledge to all of those who wanted to learn.  NCGR Boston's Saturday workshops featured some of the best minds in the astrological community.  Frances shared her many years of knowledge through the Chapter newsletter and her weekly Wednesday and Friday classes.  And chapter meetings were places where members could meet and build friendships.  Long lunch hours and gatherings at Frances' home after the Saturday workshops gave members time to socialize and get to know one another, as well as spend additional time with the many wonderful speakers Frances brought in. 

 

She will long be remembered, and much missed in Boston.

 

Joyce Levine,

Clerk, NCGR

 

* * *
 
In ancient architecture the caryatid is the carving of a human figure that acts in place of a column and supports a building or structure. Frances was a living personification of  a caryatid.  She was stubborn sometimes.  Oh boy, was she stubborn, but she was for astrology people all the way.  I sat in some National Board meetings when she refused to give an inch on issues that impinged in any way on the rights of the members of our community to have access to asatrological information and wisdom in accessible, affordable venues and formats. 

       She was a kind of quiet lioness, who somehow was always able to remind you without so much as a growl that she was a lioness. Her carriage was noble all the way and what she added to our astrology world can never be matched, repeated or outshone.


       Whom shall I call now when  I need the birth data, the real birth data of any political figure, beauty pageant queen or ax murderer in the world? I feel lost already.


       Frances McEvoy was the only person I ever knew who could look totally naturally gorgeous at close to eighty, and still have that naturally blonde look. Good Bye Frances I loved you and so did we all.

Michael Lutin

 

* * *

 

I knew Frances for many years, but she came forward when I returned to the US from thirty years in Europe in 2000. She was so helpful, generous and kind with her energies and time, that I will never forget her and her important work. One of her goals was to extend astrology into other valid areas of intellect and spirit.

 

A T Mann

 

* * *

 

I am SO sorry to learn of this. I had no idea. Frances, the little I knew her, was an indefatigible NCGR member, and apparently worked up to the last. She actually funded me last year when I didn't have enough money to rejoin NCGR, and I later paid her back with a little extra for a thank you.

 

I have not been able to get to the Boston chapter over recent months, but was thinking I could get there to see her and thank her in person. Another lesson about life, and its short span for all of us. Do today what you would do tomorrow.


Sandra Matuschka

 

* * *

 

I am French and live in France but I started studying astrology in America many years ago.
 

Frances C.McEvoy was one of those excellent astrologers whose name I link with other great astrologers such as Grant Lewis, Lois Rodden, Marion March and many others whose names I have forgotten.


All my condolences to the family. Paix à son âme.

 

Françoise Moderne
 

* * *


 Frances (Fran) McEvoy will be greatly missed by the many people she
influenced and educated with her efforts.  Her tireless dedication to collecting
accurate birth data was a great contribution, as was her supervision of the Boston area astrological activities. 

 

I served with Fran on the NCGR Board for many years, and she worked hard to help produce the quality publications which NCGR sends to its members.  May her memory remain recognized through the dedication and work she poured into bettering the astrological community over many years.

Michael Munkasey

 

* * *


Dear Friends of NCGR:

I was shocked to hear of the passing of Frances. I had no idea that she was ill. I send my condolences to her family; to all the NCGR members, and to the Wednesday morning Astrology class from long ago. I was a member of that class and learned a lot from Frances. I remember the quiches she generously served us at noon. I also remember all the wonderful written contributions Frances made to several publications. She was a lovely lady, a talented artist, an exceptionally knowledgeable astrologer, and a very generous person. Frances will be very missed.

 

With love and prayers, Joanne Pettengill

 

* * *

 

Here is my humble little memory of Frances McEvoy:

There is no one like Frances McEvoy. She'd open her mouth and out would pour astrological knowledge, wisdom and lore that I have never witnessed in any one else. She would do this in such a casual manner. (Like everyone knows this stuff, right!) You knew that this person had spent many hours wading knee deep through an ephemeris. Indeed, she once told me that her learning curve involved creating her own ephemeris. You have to respect knowledge like that.

 

I'd go to Boston NCGR meetings and eavesdrop on her conversations hoping to pick up a nugget or two. She never disappointed. She did it all with intelligence, dignity and joy for the subject. She did a lot for astrology and astrolgers and as a community we owe her a huge debt. If I study astrology for another fifty years or more, maybe, just maybe, I will come close to knowing what Frances knew about astrology. She will be sorely missed.

Shirley Prisco

 

* * *

 

I have known Frances McEvoy since the early 90's when I joined the Boston Chapter of the NCGR.  She was always friendly and helpful to new members and I admired her greatly.  She was extremely intelligent and shared many excellent anecdotes about her years of study with Grant Lewi and the knowledge she acquired from him.  She also wrote excellent astrological articles and I learned so much from them. 

 

I still find it hard to believe that she has passed on, as I was just speaking to her at the November NCGR workshop in Belmont, and she seemed to be her normal self.  She will be greatly missed.


 Pat Rank


 
I was saddened to hear of Frances' passing.  She was an extraordinary person and teacher.  I was fortunate to have known her and attended her classes. I learned so much from her.

 

Kathleen Schatz

* * *

I met Frances decades ago in Boston. Her grace, friendliness, astuteness and humility attracted many to her.   She carried herself with dignity, style and confidence within the astrological community, and inspired people from all walks of life to look seriously at astrology because it, like Frances, was inclusive and "down to earth." 

 

In recent years, I've enjoyed sharing with Frances observations on mundane astrology. I admired greatly her devotion in the effort to support Boston's NCGR. The stars twinkled brighter because of her polish and style, and anyone who knew her knows she is irreplaceable! 

 

Amy Shapiro

 

* * *

 

As a grand dame of our sacred art and science, Frances McEvoy's passing marks the end of an era, but my memories of her will never fade. For over 20 years our unique friendship ran the gamut from astrology, genealogy, history, literature, data collecting and art, and her encyclopedic knowledge and journalistic skill never ceased to impress me. Her astrological interpretations were concise, insightful, literate and, above all, accurate, and she dutifully documented them both in NCGR
Journals and in her wonderful newsletter.  Frances was a fellow Pythagorean whose dedication to both astrology and to her friends never wavered.


One of my fondest memories of her was our attempt to rectify the chart of Joseph Stalin based on recently discovered information. With her arsenal of knowledge she left no stone unturned in anything she undertook, whether plumbing the annals of Communist Russia or helping me find a publisher. I am honored to have known her, and I remain forever in her debt.

Jackie Slevin

 

* * *

 

Oh my!  A great lady has left this planet, even though I don't begrudge her leaving.  I know her last battles were long and tiresome.  I only wish I'd told her once again how much she has meant to me before she left. 

Frances was my rock when I started this school in 1997.  It did not have smooth beginnings.  She would call me several times a week -- most often late at night -- and talk to me for hours, encouraging me...Keeping me going.  She continued to encourage me through the years, continuing to tell me that bringing Online College of Astrology into the community was a "giant step for astrology"...Still keeping me going!  Frances started sending me Boston's Chapter The Astrologer's Newsletter in November 1997 -- sometimes addressed in her own handwriting.  I have every one -- as pristine as the mail allowed -- three-hole-punched in a 5-inch binder.  Each one I received was like a hug that reached across space. 

I saw her briefly in Baltimore at the Conference.  She was cold; the shoes she had to wear did not fit the weather.  Nonetheless, she did not look well and I vowed to call her more frequently, or send her cards if she was too ill to talk...If that was ever possible; she and I shared Gemini energy!  However, I had a physical set-back a week later and I fear I became completely self-centered.  I feel awful!  But maybe remembering her, with love and respect filling this empty space, will make up for the last year's neglect.  So now say to her memory: Frances, I love you! and thank you so much for your support and friendship.  You're so very dear to me!

Ena J. Stanley

* * *
 
Following is my thought for Frances: Sitting and talking with a friend, a soft-spoken, elegant woman approached me and quietly asked, "Would you ever consider coming out to the East Coast to Boston to speak?" I hadn't, but I did. That question began my speaking/travel career. I am forever grateful to her for that question. I will miss her.
 
Georgia Stathis
 

* * *

 

Reflecting her out-of-bounds Moon and Mercury in Gemini, Fran often said she had no boundaries. Limits of time and space meant little to her. At any hour of the day or night, we might find her writing, phoning, visiting.  Always on the go, she was energized by making connections to others and sharing information. Once when I phoned her she mentioned that she was in the bathtub. Fearing that her lightning-quick Gemini fingers would drop the receiver into the water, I suggested that we talk after her bath.  "Oh, no," she protested. "If someone takes the time to phone me, I owe them the courtesy of taking the call." That was Fran- ever available to discuss charts, debate possible rising signs, talk politics (or just about anything else!) and always willing to jump into her car to visit, to bring news, or to work on behalf of the community.

 

Her Sun-Jupiter conjunction in Taurus reflected the consummate teacher and the generosity with which she gave her time and shared her knowledge with anyone in need.  Frances knew more about astronomy and the physical universe than most and was only too happy to talk about the astronomical basis of our Art. She knew so much about declination, apogee and perigee, eclipses, retrogrades, yods, mythology, sacred geometry and a host of other subjects. True to her Geminian mode of expression, her articles and her book were filled with information.  Everything humanistic was interesting to her, and she spoke reverently of the work of her own teachers, Grant Lewi, Dane Rudhyar and Joseph Campbell in particular.

 

A prolific writer, ardent data collector, and wise teacher, she always looked out for NCGR members' best interests. She gave so much of herself as she built and led the Boston Chapter, served on the National Board, designed and edited many editions of the Geocosmic Journal, and conducted her salon-like classes.   She connected us to the universe, to our Art, and to each other. Those of us who knew her give thanks for the privilege.

  

Pat Taglilatelo

 
* * *
Many years ago I was vice president of the Boston Chapter of NCGR. Fran was so many things to all of us. Aside from being the anchor that gave our meetings consistency and depth, her way was always one of gracefulness and elegance.  A manner that set the tone for everything she did. It will take many individuals to fill this one woman's place.

 

Karen Thorne

 

* * *

 

Frances and I met at an AA Conference in Swansea, Wales in September 2002. I had heard of her long before, and soon regretted that I hadn't had the benefit of her - generously shared - astrological knowledge earlier in my life. I live in New York City but we met often in Boston, and I'm very glad that I made the effort to visit her a month ago to meet my (wonderful) astrological twin, an event she had tried to bring about for years.

When I became Executive Secretary of the NCGR in June 2005, she was an enthusiastic and vigorous supporter of E-News. She effortlessly (it seemed) wrote many articles, drawing on her inexhaustible store of astrological and astronomical knowledge. I'm grateful for her encouragement, and will greatly miss her. She was a wonder and marvel.

Taureans both, we did circle each other and inevitably locked horns on astrological matters, but with relief we could retreat to our respective corners, to meet in the middle of the field once again, the unresolved issues behind us for the time being. I'll treasure those memories always, and am still surprised, shocked and grieved that there will not be more of them. I'd thought that, of course, she'd defeat her illness. Frances felled? Never! She's teaching a class somewhere as you read this.

Liane Thomas Wade, Executive Secretary, NCGR

***

Fran will be missed.

She was a doll. When I lived in Boston I studied w/her. She opened her home to all to study.

 

Alexandra Bunshaft


* * *

 
She is the big lost for all of us. We wish The God's light be with her.
Our condolences to the family and the astrology world.

 

Oya Vulas - Silva Ayvaz, Turkey

 

 

* * *

 

Books are sure to be written about Frances's life and times but today I would like to contribute a personal and heartfelt memory to the Heartbeat of Astrology in Boston, Frances Coman McEvoy.

Frances inspired and was a mentor to many astrologers who came in contact with her through her teaching, lectures or her writing.  They were left with an indelible mark, an intense impression .  With that, Frances will be admired and remembered for a very long time by an outstanding number of people.  Her love and passion for astrology never floundered in all the years that I knew her.  She coddled those of us who would come to the Boston Chapter of NCGR monthly meetings, telephoning or e-mailing us with news of the next workshop and encouraging us to attend. 

After joining NCGR in 1989, I met Frances soon after at one of the chapter meetings.  The day long event included lunching with many of the attendees, Frances, and the speaker, at a local, very tasty, restaurant in the area.  A two hour lunch was often the case, but it gave everyone a chance to make new astro friends and learn more astrology at lunch - for nine months of the year, astrologers from all over New England experienced what seemed like a mini-conference. 

When Frances noticed the work I was doing with weather forecasting, she gave me an opportunity to lecture at the annual Local Astrologers meeting where four New England astrologers were invited to present their material.  Over the years, I learned more about diverse fields of astrology, all condensed into one full day workshop-with lunch-Frances loved lunchtime.  Since that first lecture experience, my astrological career blossomed and bloomed to national, then to international lectures and workshops.  My local Rhode Island teacher, the late John Monger, gave me foundation; Frances gave me a road map to the world.

She now travels on a fabulous journey, on her way to be welcomed by the great stars where she will take her well earned and rightful place, and she is sure to influence everyone along the way. 

 

Carolyn Egan, Bristol, RI 

 

* * *

 

(This memorial was published two weeks ago under the name of Debbie Bailey. Barbara was using Debbie's computer, and I picked up the wrong name. My apologies. It is reproduced here in its entirety. Ed)

 

Memory of Fran

I was singing a Sufi prayer "May the Blessings of God Be Upon You"  to Fran in my bathtub, soaking in lavendar salts with the echo permeating, and realized I was tuning into a familiar Fran ritual.  How often we would be ten minutes into our phone conversation, and Fran would announce she was in the middle of taking a bath and was actually supposed to be someplace else doing something!  Then she would engagingly launch into a short lesson on astrology, then on to politics, family, work, commiserating, accolades about someone, and back again to astrology!

 

Fran once remarked she regretted she hadn't painted more.  I suggest she did paint - everyday - as people from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, and with different strengths and abilities (and charts), opened her door and freely stepped across her threshold, turning the corner and seeing her golden hair and (maybe) red dress and warm smile and the leap in her eyes when she saw you.  Everyday she painted a tapestry with the people nearby and afar with whom she connected.  She was a master astrologer and teacher, and also cultural icon, 'setting the table for the way to learn', through a circle of diverse friends, a beautiful home, lily of the valley fragrance trimming her walkway, homemade minestrone soup and quiche, and sunlit room lined and toppled with books and people, and a humanity on fire with curiosity.  My dream:

an NCGR conference dinner beautifully flowered with glorious food with an 'open empty chair' at the table in the midst of peers and signifying 'Fran', and with a toast in her direction - to the supreme, epicurean, geocosmic-cultural artist.

 

I believed steadfastly Fran would survive her illness.  Some would say it was denial, or ignorance about the power of cancer, but Fran would say it was because of my Leo sun, because "Fire signs think they are going to live forever".  Well, Fran will continue to make a difference in my life, through her teachings and through the love she imparted to me and to the cosmos of friends and ideas.  Is that not 'living forever'?  As she shines from every direction - above, below, the east, the west, the north, the south, and from within.   

 

Barbara E. Johnson, Cape Cod

 

* * *

Besides being beautiful with a fabulous house, Frances had an incredible mind.  She had more astrological details in her mind than any other person I have ever met. This is someone who actually knew and studied with Dane Rudyar and Grant Lewis!  She possessed a wealth of knowledge and the astrology community has lost a true icon.  We wish her well on her journey.

Eileen McCabe

 

* * *

 

Frances McEvoy has become an icon within our community that will remain for a very long time.  I can't remember when I first met her but I do recall many happy times with her both in Boston in her lovely home,  and at many conferences over the years.  I particularly cherish the last one at NORWAC just this past May where we often dined together.

 

When I think of Frances I often find myself back in her spacious living room with books spilling off sills and shelves, covering such a great gamut of literature from the classics, to ancient history, to current politics, and of course astrology.  She was indeed a scholar, a communicator, an organizer, a gracious lady, a generous spirit, and a dear friend never to be forgotten.  Love ya', dear one!

 

Chris McRae, Canada

 

 

 

BIRTH AND DEATH DATA:

Source: ASTRODATABANK

BIRTH:

Name: MCEVOY, FRANCES
Date: 5/11/1929
Time: 04:05 MST (+7:00)
Gender: F
Place: Phoenix, AZ
Lat: 33 N 27
Lng: 112 W 04
RoddenRating: A
DataSource: From memory
SourceNotes: LMR quotes her, 11/1987

DEATH:

EventDate: 12/10/2007  11:38am
EventNotes: Belmont, MA, age 78

OTHER:

Categories
Category: Occult Fields: Astrologer
CategoryNote: Pro, major data collector
Category: Writers: Astrology
CategoryNote:
Category: Relationship: Number of Marriages
CategoryNote: One, lasting
Category: Parenting: Kids 1-3
CategoryNote: Three
Category: Relationship: Widowed
CategoryNote: 1997
Category: Writers: Magazine/ newsletter
CategoryNote:
Category: Social Life: Collector
CategoryNote: Major data collector
Category: Major Diseases: Cancer
CategoryNote:

Events
Event: Death: Death of Mate
EventDate: 10/7/1997
EventNotes: Joe McEvoy
Event: Health: Medical diagnosis
EventDate: 5/2005
EventNotes: non-Hodkins' lymphoma
Event: Death: Death by Disease
EventDate: 12/10/2007
EventNotes: Cancer, in Belmont, MA, age 78

Relationships
RelatedPerson: Kilzer, Elizabeth Lindley
Relationship: Other Kin
RelationshipNotes:
RelatedPerson: McEvoy, Joseph
Relationship: Spouse
RelationshipNotes:
RelatedPerson: McEvoy, Stephen
Relationship: Child
RelationshipNotes:

  

 

 

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DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD? This memorial is interactive, and we welcome your memories and tributes, which we will add to the pagein the order recieved. (They may be edited for grammar, length, and suitability.). If there are any additional contributions we should mention or any inaccuracies in the memorial, please bring them to our attention. We would also love to have photos to bring back vivid memories. (Photos will be scanned and returned.) To suggest names, share memories, create tributes, or volunteer, send us an e-mail.

 

 

CREDITS: This memorial was created by Liz Houle with graphics provided by Word of Mouth Web Design.  Biographical information for this memorial came from Brown and Sons Funeral Home, NCGR E-News, and Astrodatabank.  Pictures of Fran McEvoy from NCGR E-News and the Boston Globe.