Frances Patricia Geoghegan Dunphy

Frances Patricia Geoghegan Dunphy January 1943 – April 21, 2025

Frances Patricia Geoghegan Dunphy passed away peacefully in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 21st, after a long illness. A devoted mother, grandmother, nurse, and community member, Fran lived a life defined by compassion, service, and deep faith.

Born in Washington, D.C., just weeks after the passing of her father, Francis Patrick Geoghegan, Fran was raised in Alexandria, Virginia. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1961 and went on to work for the National Wildlife Federation. Her early adventures included traveling through Europe—an experience that shaped her sense of independence and love for life. She later pursued a career in nursing, graduating from Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia in 1971.

Fran dedicated much of her professional life to hospice care in the Washington, D.C. area, where she formed lasting bonds with the families she served. Her work was more than a job—it was a calling rooted in her belief in helping others.

She married Gerard Dunphy, a real estate professional in Capitol Hill. Though they later divorced, they remained devoted co-parents to their three sons—Philip, Brendan, and Colin—raising them first in Capitol Hill and later in Tenleytown. Gerard passed away in 2017.

The Dunphys were known for their vibrant annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, featuring live music, traditional Irish dancing, and warm hospitality—a joyful reflection of Fran’s Irish heritage and generous spirit.

Deeply involved in her parish and local communities, Fran was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Church, where she helped organize events and frequently cooked for large gatherings. She was an advocate for expanding roles for women in the Catholic Church and led by example through a life of service and faith.

Outside of her work and community involvement, Fran was a gifted cook and an avid gardener. She found joy in tending to the family’s farm in Clinton, Maryland, and later in caring for her grandchildren, whom she helped raise after moving to Atlanta in 2015.

Fran is survived by her beloved sons Philip, Brendan, and Colin; her daughters-in-law, Alejandra and Tina; and her cherished grandchildren, Brianne, Camille, Patrick, and Mia, who lovingly called her “Grandma.” She also leaves behind her siblings from her mother’s second marriage: Michael, John, Patrick, Kathleen, Mary Ellen, and Anne.

Fran lived a life of quiet strength, devotion, and kindness. Her legacy of love, generosity, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.