Frances Royal

Bangor, Frances Doore Royal, 93, died February 17, 2024, at Winterberry Heights where she has resided for the past 5 years.
Frances was born March 01, 1930, in Atkinson ME, the daughter of a teacher and farmer, Elizabeth (Blake) and John W. Doore SR. Growing up on the farm taught her that accomplishments could only be attained by hard work.
In 1948 she graduated with honors from Higgins Classical Institute in Charleston Maine to which she travelled up-hill both ways in snowstorms on her hands and knees. She accomplished her goal of becoming a registered nurse in 1951, graduating from Eastern Maine General Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed in various fields during her nursing career.
Frances and a few nursing student friends decided to hitchhike back to EMGH one evening when she was picked up by the future love of her life. It was a two-hundred-foot ride to destiny on State Street in Bangor ME. Frances and Harold (Buz) C. Royal Jr. were married on August 07, 1953. At the time of their marriage, Buz was serving in the United States Air Force. The first few years of their marriage were spent in California, at which time he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Sacramento. While in California, Frances was employed as a supervisor, covering all departments at the Vallejo General Hospital.
Upon returning home to Maine, she continued her nursing career while caring for her family. When her husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the early 1970’s, she was committed to making it possible for them to remain together in their home. Through her fierce, farm grown tenacity, and help when needed from her daughters and sons-in-law, she was able to accomplish this while still working to support the family.
She retired in 1992, after seventeen years of employment as a supervisor at the Red Cross Blood Services. She had 5 years to enjoy the company of her husband before his passing at home in 1997. After Buz’s passing, she enjoyed traveling, volunteering, church activities and family. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidering, and decorative painting. She loved sewing, especially dresses for her daughters while they were young.
She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Washburn, and her husband Mark of Plymouth ME, and Susan Kirkpatrick, and her husband John of Dedham ME. Three grandsons, Justin Kirkpatrick, and his wife Jacqueline of Medway MA; Ryan Kirkpatrick of Windham ME; and Levi Washburn of Rangely ME. One great grandson, Hudson Kirkpatrick and one great granddaughter, Harper Kirkpatrick. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers John, Lloyd, and Malcom Doore and her sisters Evelyn Jones and Shirley Green.
A family visitation will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, from 3-4 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St, Bangor. Frances will join her husband at their final resting place at Sweet Cemetery in Atkinson, ME with a picnic and graveside service at 1pm on June 15th, 2024.
Gifts in her memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. www.fundraisingsupport@nmss.org and specify for support in Maine or mail checks to PO Box 289 Canton MA 02021. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
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