Jan. 13, 2011: Campus mourns passing of a colleague

Dear Colleagues:

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Frances (Fran) A. McDaniel, 67, passed away unexpectedly, late last evening, during a visit with family and friends in Sacramento, California.

Fran is the Director of the Office of LGBT Awareness, having worked in that office for the past 12 ½ years. Fran was often heard to say, "I have the best job in the world, as the paid, professional lesbian at Bucknell." We will certainly miss Fran's incredible and indomitable spirit among us.

Fran is survived by her partner of more than 20 years, Therese Miller, as well as her stepdaughter, Erin Henson, and granddaughter, Tenaja Henson, with whom she shared her Lewisburg home. Fran is also survived by her mother, Lucille McDaniel, a nephew, Eric Smith, and numerous friends and colleagues.

To enable friends, colleagues, and students to come together to remember and celebrate Fran's life, the LGBT Awareness Office will be open from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 8:30am to 11:00pm on Monday and Tuesday. Counselors and other colleagues will be present to offer support during those hours.

Plans for other memorials and remembrances are still underway, and will be announced as more details become available.

On behalf of the entire Bucknell community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Fran's family and friends as well as all who knew her at Bucknell.

John