Frances Annie Dimond

Frances “Fran” Annie Dimond, 95, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025 of natural causes. Fran was born on October 1, 2029 in Manchester, CT and lived in Philadelphia, PA for many years on Spruce Street in the Center City neighborhood, before moving to Simpson House on Belmont Avenue in July 2018.

The daughter of the late Herbert Victor Dimond of Staines, England and Edna Frances Atkinson Dimond of Troy, NY; Fran was also predeceased by her brothers, Paul Dimond, Edward Dimond, and Rusell Dimond and sister, Eleanor McMahon. Fran's parents were lifelong officers in the Salvation Army, frequently moving their family to different locations throughout the northeast to fulfill their appointments. Their dedication to serving others provided an enduring example that helped shape Fran's own lifelong commitment to service.

Fran began her formal education at Drake Business College, earning a diploma in 1949. She then worked as a secretary while attending night school at Temple University until 1953. Her studies continued at NYU and later at the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her certification as a medical record librarian in 1955. She dedicated her career as a medical record librarian, working at various hospitals in Pennsylvania, including Booth Memorial Hospital , Graduate Hospital, the Foundation for Medical Research, and Abington Memorial Hospital. She concluded her 45-year career at the West Philadelphia Community Mental Health Consortium, where she served as the director of medical record services from 1967 until her retirement in 2000.

Beyond her professional life, Fran enjoyed travel and cultivated a deep appreciation for the arts. She explored Europe on multiple occasions, visiting England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Italy. She also travelled the United States, including annual visits to Hawaii with her friend, Marilyn. Fran was also a passionate patron of the arts. Fran held memberships and volunteer positions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, the Walnut Street Theatre, and the Central Library of Philadelphia. Her passion for music also extended to singing in the Mendelssohn Club oratorio chorus, and various other church choirs, including the Welsh services (Gmanfa Ganu and Divine Service). Fran was also an active participant in the hospitality program for international students at 10th Presbyterian Church.

Fran joined the Arch Street Presbyterian Church in 1963 and served the church in many capacities during her 62 years of membership. She served as a Ruling Elder, Deacon, Trustee, and also on the Nominating Committee. Even after she moved to Simpson House, Fran still came to church periodically. She loved volunteering with the Welsh Guild and the Welsh Society of Philadelphia and never said no to a request until she was 93 years old! Her love for God and the church was made known through her actions.

Fran cherished the numerous friendships and activities that occupied the last years of her life while living at Simpson House. She particularly enjoyed gathering with friends for board games and daily meals, where she would share interesting life stories and engage in lively conversation, while often evoking smiles and a laugh with her light-hearted sense of humor. Well-liked by all who knew her, Fran will be fondly remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and the genuine warmth she extended to others, as well as her deep, enduring faith in Christ.

Surviving relatives include her brother-in-law Doug McMahon, Sr. of St. Petersburg, FL; nephews Doug McMahon, Jr. and his wife, Robin, of St. Petersburg, FL, John McMahon and his wife, Dana, of Sun City Center, FL, and Victor Dimond of Corpus Christi, Texas; nieces, Mary Semplenski and her husband, Tom, of Howell, NJ, and Susan Kaczor and her husband, Mark, of Mount Gilead, OH; Valerie Dimond of Sarasota, FL and Leah Dimond of New York, NY.

Fran was very loved by all those who knew her and she will be truly missed. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 2pm, located at Simpson House, 2101 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, (212) 878-3600.