Frances Powell Peake

Frances Powell Peake was born the second child to Raymond R. Powell and Ophelia Acosta-Powell on June 11, 1949, in the Garfield neighborhood of Phoenix, close to her grandmother Petra G. Acosta, aunts, and cousins. Frances attended St. Mary’s Elementary before graduating from West Phoenix High School.

Frances retired after a successful career in public service with Maricopa County. Following her retirement, she continued to serve her community by volunteering for various non-profits, especially related to the preservation of Sonoran Desert habitat.

As an unaffiliated but ardent voter she assisted with local, state, and federal elections. She generously supported various charities, especially those targeting domestic and international poverty, and supporting education.

She was an accomplished Master Gardener and she and her brother, Louis was featured on National Public Radio-KJZZ for their progressive home landscaping that created a natural desert habitat, beauty, and shade, relying primarily on captured rainwater and recycled gray water.

Frances was also a voracious reader of literature and non-fiction follower of current events. Besides gardening, she enjoyed sewing and crafts, which she shared with her younger siblings and their children.

Frances had a gift of hospitality and was the driving force in keeping her extended family connected over the years. She routinely organized family gatherings, frequently serving traditional Mexican favorites from family recipes.

She is survived by all her siblings: John, Dina (Karen), Victor (Jan), Lou, George (Laura), Ramona (David), Paul (Belinda), Perry (Cathy), and Barbara (Jim).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Phoenix Zoo or Friends of Public Radio Arizona.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 4PM-7PM with funeral service to begin at 6PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.