Frances Theresa Wathen, 94, passed away on January 31, 2024 at her residence in Leonardtown, MD with her loving family by her side. Born on September 26, 1929, in Oakville, MD, she was the daughter of the late Moses Owens and the late Gertrude Walters. Frances was the loving wife of the late James T. Wathen, whom she married in Chaptico, MD in 1944. She is survived by her loving children, Marie Wathen (Ronnie) Neptune, NJ, Peggy Kraft (George) of Leonardtown, MD, Margie Magathan (Bud) of Neptune, NJ, Mike Wathen of Leonardtown, MD, Brenda Quade (Bob) of Clements, MD, and Debbie Starr (Paul) of St. Inigoes, MD, along with 27 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Frances was preceded in death by her children Barbara Wathen and Wayne Wathen, her sister Evelyn Howe, and 14 additional siblings.

Frances was a loving mother, wife, and farmer who loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and would give her homegrown vegetables to neighbors. She was a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed by her family and friends

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM with Father Ted Hegnauer officiating. Interment will follow in Chares Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be James Starr, Billy Dement, James Dean, Jr., Justin Dean, Tyler Gantt, and Malachi Matson.