Frances "Fran" Turcott passed away peacefully at home on August 8, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family, friends and pets. Born on September 27, 1952, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, she was the eldest child of Capt. Peter Harvey and Anne Protheroe (neé) Harvey,  In 1956, the family moved to Long Island where Fran graduated from Walt Whitman High. She attended the University of Tennessee, graduating with a BS in Foreign Language Education (Spanish) in 1974 and a MS in Educational Psychology in 1976.  While at UT she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, with several of her sisters becoming lifelong friends.  She also become active in residential hall life, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to student development and support. After graduation from UT, Fran made significant contributions at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) before transitioning to community college administration.

Fran's passion for education led her to serve in leadership positions at several area colleges including Catonsville Community College (now part of the Community College of Baltimore County), Harford Community College, and for 25 years at Anne Arundel Community College where she served in several director roles in areas including marketing and public relations, weekend college and off-site operations, and special projects. She was a tireless advocate for the role of community colleges in providing accessible, high-quality education, always championing the needs and success of students.  Her passion for advancing educational opportunities to as many as possible, left an indelible mark on the people she worked with in the higher education institutions she served as well as the countless number of students her work touched.

Fran was not only a dedicated educator but also a supportive colleague. She was known for her dependability, calm demeanor, and wise counsel. Her colleagues could always count on her to offer thoughtful advice and steady leadership, qualities that made her a cherished member of every team she was a part of.

Fran was a woman of many passions. She was an avid cyclist completing many multi-day cycling adventures including Cycle Across Maryland and Cycle Across Virginia with the group she affectionally called "The Posse".   She found great joy in pottery,spending hours in Anne Arundel's art facility creating beautiful pieces that reflected her artistic spirit. Her love of gardening brought her peace and satisfaction, and she spent many hours nurturing her plants and flowers. Fran had a deep affection for her pets, dogs and cats, who were constant companions and a source of comfort throughout her life. She loved watching and cheering for the Ravens and Orioles.

Fran also cherished her time at her second home in Florida, where she created countless memories with her siblings and her friends. The time spent together in the warmth of Florida's sun was one of her greatest joys, strengthening the bonds of family and love.

Fran was proceeded in death by her parents and is survived by her loving sister Anne Harvey and her brothers, Bruce (Nancy), Mark (Debbie) and Robert Harvey.

Fran lived a life dedicated to supporting her family and friends. She was kind, quiet, humble and a connector, always putting others first leaving each person she touched a gift of affirmation.

A memorial service to celebrate Fran's life and legacy will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 2 pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home. ​

Memorial contributions can be made to the Anne Arundel Community College Foundation. Please make checks payable to the AACC Foundation, noting "in memory of Frances M. Turcott" and mail to:

AACC Foundation
Henry "Hank" Libby Bldg
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012

Gifts can also be made online by using this link: https://www.aacc.edu/about/aacc-foundation/ways-to-give/