Frances Ireland

Frances (Fran) Thompson Ireland was born in Springfield, IL on the 3rd of January, 1921, the daughter of Benton and Beryl Thompson. Fran attended schools in Springfield and graduated from Purdue University. She was the widow of Major Gen. Clare T. Ireland, Jr. U.S. Air Force (Ret) and mother of three daughters. She accompanied her husband on his numerous stateside assignments, to Panama and to Alaska.

Fran was an accomplished golfer who won many tournaments. She was the Woman's Golf Champion at several bases where they were stationed. In addition to her many activities as an Air Force wife she was always active in the local ladies golf scene and Girl Scouts where ever she lived. She was the co-founder in 1962 of the Military Dependents Championship Golf tournament - a tournament that is still held each year at a stateside military installation. Upon moving back to Charleston in 1973, Fran saw the need for an organization for lady golfers in the Charleston area. She was instrumental in getting together representatives of the Charleston area golf courses to organize what is the Charleston Area Ladies Golf Association - known as CALGA. It is still active today with ladies of 16 or 17 local golf courses playing a monthly tournament at one of the member courses. She served many years as a member of the board of the local Girls Scout organization.Fran's interests were not limited to golf. She was a skilled seamstress; making quilts, baby dresses and bonnets for family, friends and for new born babies at the local hospitals. She was never idle, if not reading she was sewing or knitting. She loved to fish and accompanied her husband on many fishing excursions to Alaska, Florida Keys and the Outer Banks.

She is survived by three daughters, 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and her sister.

Memorials may be made to the Residents Assistance Fund, Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412.

A service to celebrate Fran's life will held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bishop Gadsden Chapel. Arrangements by J. Henry Sturh, Inc., Downtown Chapel.