FRANCESTOWN — Frances Place Arnold, third child of Dr. Edwin Hemphill Place and Emma Frances Bixby Place, died at home in Francestown at the age of 96.

Born in Boston, Mass., on Aug. 9, 1914, she recalled a fun and adventuresome childhood of winters in West Newton, Mass., and summers in Francestown. She worked several years in a research lab at the Eye and Ear Infirmary and in 1942 married John Lenz Arnold. Together they raised two children in Brookline and Wellesley, Mass., before retiring to Francestown in 1969.

Fran was an active volunteer in the community and was a member of the women’s guild, the Francestown Community Church and the Old Meeting House. She was an enthusiastic supporter of town functions, especially Labor Day, as well as the town’s ski and golf facilities. She had a wide range of interests including gardening, travel, nature and reading. She never missed Town Meeting.

She is survived by her constant companion, Olive; daughter Abigail Arnold; son John Arnold; granddaughter Hannah Arnold; grandson John L. Arnold II; honorary family members Ethel MacStubbs and Benjamin Bruce Johansen; many nephews and nieces. Her husband predeceased her in 1997.

Services were held Aug. 25 at the Old Meeting House.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Francestown Community Church, Main Street, Francestown 03043, the Old Meeting House, P.O. Box 213, Francestown 03043 or Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services, P.O. Box 496, Peterborough 03458.