The college’s long-time friend and loyal supporter, Frances Meyer Webber, died Sunday, June 2, at age 92.
Frances, who graduated with a degree in Home Economics at Oregon State College in 1941, is remembered as a gentle, caring supporter of past and current students.
She was raised to value education and was a co-founder in 1948 of the Multnomah Playschool in west Portland, the first cooperative preschool in Oregon.
In 1993, Frances established the Margaret Frances McGinnis Scholarship at Oregon State University in honor of her pioneer grandmother.
Each year, the scholarship assists undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Students graduating from an Oregon high school are eligible to receive the scholarship.
Many, especially those who received her scholarship, loved her for her warmth and sincere interest in their successful education.
“I know the students were touched by Frances’s gentle and caring way to enhance their future, and her generosity of supporting them,” says CPHHS Dean Tammy Bray. “What a legacy of paying it forward and paving the future for our students.”
“I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Webber, but her generosity has made it possible for me to attend Oregon State University for my last year to complete my degree,” says Kayla Thompson, CPHHS student. “Thank you. Your generosity is very much appreciated!”
“Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Webber in person, her generous donations to Oregon State University scholarships helped support me in my journey through higher education,” says a Margaret Frances McGinnis Scholarship recipient. “I am eternally grateful for that and am saddened to hear such an amazing women has passed on. My prayers are with her family.”
Frances was born in Corvallis Oregon on July 24, 1920. Her father was Lea Roy McGinnis, and her mother was Ethel Alberta (Berman) McGinnis, a 1908 graduate of the Oregon Agricultural College.
The joy of her life was taking care of her family.
She is survived by her two sons, William Meyer and his wife Carole, and Robert Meyer and his wife, Nancy – both OSU graduates; as well as four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
An informal celebration of Frances’s life will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Tigard United Methodist Church, 945 SW Walnut Place in Tigard.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Young’s Funeral Home. The family suggests that remembrances be directed to The Salvation Army in Portland or to the Tigard United Methodist Church.
Read Frances’s full obituary and sign the online tribute book.