Frances was born on Cape Cod and attended Dennis and Yarmouth schools. She attended Bates College, Chamberlain School of Retailing and The New England Institute. She worked for a number of retail establishments in Hyannis and the Boston area including the Museum of Science and Childrens Museum before joining the Hallett Funeral Home in 1977. While living in Westwood, MA she was active in a number of animal related studies including a study of otters at the Quabbin Reservoir and was on the committee that wrote the endangered species law for the state of Massachusetts.

Frances has one daughter, Sara, and now is delighted to have a granddaughter. She enjoys gardening, traveling, feeding the birds, walking on the beach, and especially that little granddaughter.