Frances H. Ackerson

Frances “Fran” Ackerson passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C., Fran was the daughter of Lawrence and Margaret Harry. She graduated from Southern Seminary College in 1952.

Fran met the love of her life, David J. Ackerson, on a blind date at a Naval Academy dance. They raised their children in Wilmington, Delaware, where their home on Valley Road became a sanctuary—a place where neighbors, family and her seven beloved grandchildren (her “Precious Golds”) gathered on shaded patios among their beautifully tended gardens.

Although she built her home in Delaware, Fran’s heart remained lovingly tethered to Washington, D.C., where her parents, aunts, uncles and cousins all lived on the same block, fondly known as “Harryville.” She and Dave along with their own children and grandchildren were ever present at Harry family events, which they all cherished.

Fran’s life centered around her faith, community, and love of music, which she and Dave nurtured as longtime members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and later in their years at Willow Valley in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Fran’s memory lives on with her brother, Larry Harry, her daughter Margaret (Peggy) Geibel, wife of Dr. Paul Geibel of San Antonio, TX; her son Scott Ackerson, husband of Elisabeth Ackerson of Easton, MD; seven grandchildren, Meghan, Chris, Rebecca, Ryan, David, Sarah and John; and eight great-grandchildren, Sofia, Margaux, Devin, Olivia, Everly, David, Lucca and Shepard.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Main Chapel of the United States Naval Academy on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM. The service will be followed by a brunch (Fran’s favorite meal of the day) close by.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM in the Lakes Auditorium at Willow Valley Communities, 300 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584.