Frances M. Goldsmith - Obituary

rances M. Goldsmith, “Fran”, 83, an 18-year resident of The Villages, Florida, and previously of Annapolis, MD, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. Fran was born on February 17, 1942, in Washington, DC, to the late Francis and Thelma Puryear. She was a graduate of Wheaton High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Towson State Teachers’ College. She was a Mathematics teacher with the Prince George’s County Public School system. During her career, she particularly enjoyed teaching Calculus and coaching Bowie High School’s “It’s Academic” team. She was a member of the Village Pops Chorus and the Fairway Christian Church. Her interests through the years included bridge, golf and softball. She loved Maryland crabs and, of course her grandchildren. She also loved animals and music, especially voice and piano. She even learned to play the flute in her 70’s. In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by her loving husband of 36 years, David Goldsmith, her son, Guy Goldsmith and her brother Eric Puryear. She is survived by one daughter, Donna Sowers of Fredrick, MD and her grandchildren, Joseph Tkach of Edgewater, MD, Jay Tkach of Frederick, MD and Erin Sowers of North Bethesda, MD. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sandra Puryear of Fairfax, VA. Friends are invited to celebrate Frances’ life on Monday, December 29 from 11 am until her funeral service begins at 12 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fran’s memory may be made to the ALS Association or to any local Humane Society.