Frances Dumke

Frances Dumke passed away peacefully on May 10, 2017 in Punta Gorda, Florida. She was born on September 12, 1926, the only child to the late Francis and Sara Rhinesmith in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Beacon High School and Mount Holyoke College in 1948 and began her career at Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, spending several years specializing in employee relations. In 1950, she married Dr. Carver Charles Dumke who predeceased her in 2006. They lived in multiple cities, traveling with the Navy, before eventually settling down in Dutchess County to raise their family. As members of the Chelsea Yacht Club, Frances and Carver spent countless hours sailing on the Hudson River. They took that passion with them when they moved to Punta Gorda in 1993 where they also enjoyed sailing around Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico, and were members of the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club and Punta Gorda Boat Club. Frances loved to play tennis and was known to watch any tennis match she could find on TV. She was also an avid bridge player, participating in many bridge clubs. Frances enjoyed working as a docent at Boscobel in Cold Spring for many years as well. Throughout her life, Frances spent countless hours volunteering for various organizations and causes. Without question, Frances made her biggest impact through years of volunteering and participation with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She served in multiple positions at the local, state and national levels including Melzingah Chapter Regent, New York State Corresponding Secretary, New York State Chairman of Conservation, Public Relations and Protocol, and President of the New York State Officers Club. She was also a member of the Charlotte Bay Chapter, NSDAR. Always interested in preserving Melzingah Chapter's historic home, the Madam Brett Homestead, she spent hours giving tours to the public and to school children, and beautifying the gardens. She was also a proud member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. Frances was a wonderful mother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her children; Carver (Allison) Dumke of Michigan, Elizabeth (Mark) McKee of Florida, Charles (Celia) Dumke of Tennessee, Sara (Timothy) Nero of Virginia. She was the proud grandmother of Kendra (Dan), Jonathan (Alyce), William (Kim), Jeffrey (Katy), Sara (Bryce), Evan, Alec, Brian, Ashley, Megan; and loving great grandmother of Gavin, Caden, Nathan, Hudson, Layla, Emma, and Milo. A Celebration of Frances' Life will be held on June 17th at 11am, First United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Madam Brett Homestead, 50 Van Nydeck Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508 or charity of choice.