Frances Grace Peters

Frances Grace Peters, 99, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at her home in Beltsville, Maryland. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Edith Fox and Charles Edward Sell, and her four older siblings, Thelma, Clyde, Edgar, and Flora Sell. Most importantly, she has been reunited with her husband and beloved, Melville Hindle Peters.

Born in Taneytown, Maryland on November 7, 1925 to devoted farming parents, Frances was the youngest of five children. Her childhood was rooted in family — from helping at Sell’s Ice Factory to riding alongside her father as he drove the town’s school bus. After graduating from Taneytown High School, she commuted to Baltimore during the week to work at the Victory Factories during World War II. During this time she met the love of her life Melville “Mel” Peters when he flew into Taneytown. After many persistent requests, Frances agreed to a date — and what followed was a love story that led to their marriage on October 2, 1946.

The newlyweds relocated to Beltsville, Maryland for Frances and Mel to open their family real estate business. During this time, Frances became a real estate agent, and ultimately the book keeper for the real estate, appraisal, and residential construction branches of Mel’s entrepreneurial spirit. Frances was the quiet strength in the marriage, as her unwavering loyalty and trust in Mel’s adventurous spirit made her his confidant, critic, and biggest advocate.

Frances had a deep love for travel and enjoyed many trips with her husband and close friends. In an era when cruising the French Riviera or dancing in the Caribbean was a grand endeavor, she and Mel did it all — joyfully and fearlessly. When not venturing around the world, they could often be found cruising the Chesapeake Bay with friends and family. Their adventures in life, business, and marriage continued all the way up to Mel’s passing in 1992, and she continued her remarkable accomplishments and never sought accolades, but their legacy of love continues to speak volumes with the memories she shares of them together.

Frances and Mel were blessed with two children, Myra Peters Kovach-Byers (Les) of Springfield Virginia, and Melville Edward Peters (Martha) of Cambridge, Maryland. The love and importance of their family was the cornerstone for the multiple generations of family gatherings and memories created at their home in Beltsville and on the family farm on the Eastern Shore in Taylors Island, Maryland.

Though Frances was always busy as the business accountant well into her 90’s, one of her most treasured experiences was being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Frances is survived by four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Melville Patrick Peters (Cordelia) and their children Bennett, Westley, Abigail, and Greyson of Highland, MD; Natalie Kovach Miskimins (Sean) and their children Vivian and Evelyn of Ellicott City, MD; Kimberly Jean Morgan (James) and their children Tomlinson and Everett of Raleigh, NC; Mary Frances Kovach Waller (Stephen) and their son Bruce of Glen Burnie, MD. Frances cherished her time with her generations of grandkids. With her exceptional cooking and thoughtful guidance, she filled both their hearts and their stomachs. Frances will be forever remembered as a strong-willed, resilient, competent and quietly devoted and loving woman who lived life on her own terms and demonstrated the importance of family.

The family extends gratitude to Edith, Proscovia, and Belinda whose care, kindness, warmth, and love for Frances allowed her to spend her final year in comfort and with dignity.

Visitation is scheduled for August 14, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral home in Beltsville, Maryland. A burial mass honoring her life will be held August 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, Maryland with interment to follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Maryland. To further honor Frances’ legacy, donations on her behalf to the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department would continue to support the impact she has had on so many.