Barbara Jean Franquist

It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we inform you that our beloved Barbara Jean (Sikorski) Franquist passed away after a 10-month long battle from a devastating illness. Barbara Jean Franquist, a devoted Christian, patriot, and civil servant passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 in Scurry, Texas. She was born on September 26, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan to Phyllis Sikorski and the late Stanley Sikorski. Barb served the United States Post Office for thirty years before retiring as Postmaster of Keedysville, Maryland.

Barb was a woman of strong faith and lived her life accordingly. Her love for God extended into all aspects of her life - family, career and volunteer work. She demonstrated this through her kind heartedness, generosity and compassion towards others without fail. Always seeing the good in everyone she met and taking time to listen to their stories. Barb never sought confrontation but worked hard to avoid it.

Outside of work she loved outdoor activities such as rappelling in Maryland Heights, Nestles Quarry, and Harpers Ferry and kayaking at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, amongst many others, including white water rafting, backcountry hiking, cave exploration and motorcycle riding. Such enthusiasm was mirrored through various national organizations with commitments to non-profit organizations aimed at helping those most in need within the community.

She helped many through volunteer work with the Conococheague Sportsmen's club events for over 33 years where she also taught courses for DNR hunter safety. Other volunteer groups included work as a bell ringer with the Salvation Army, Target Hagerstown as well as charitable events such as Reach of Washington County Cold Weather Shelter just to name a few.

Barb rarely spoke overtly about her political affiliations but loved this country strongly. Barb remained active in peaceful demonstrations at Pro-life rallies but also made it very clear when she felt elected officials needed to hear directly from people whom they represented.

Barb is survived by her husband of 46 years, Timothy Franquist Sr.; her mother, Phyllis Sikorski; son, Timothy, Jr.; daughter, Mandy Sheehy; grandchildren, Torin Sheehy, Teaghan Sheehy, and May Franquist; sisters, Debbie Thompson, Connie Shankin, Diane Tonak and Janet Baldwin; and brother, Steven Sikorski.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Sandy Parada.

As an avid member of St. James Catholic Church in Charles Town a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at the church with Father Grassi as officiant. Final resting place will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Keedysville.

Friends may pay their respects from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, May 9, 2023 at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro. 

Barbara Franquist was a woman of incredible kindness whose memory will remain in our hearts forever. As we mourn her loss, we celebrate the wonderful things that she did throughout her life and cherish every moment spent with her. Barb's legacy will live on through all of those she has touched with her generosity and love.