Frances (Fran) McKenna Tolefson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, while surrounded by family at home at the age of 86. She was born in Newport News, Va., on April 6, 1939.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Marian McKenna. She is survived by her husband, Donald Tolefson; her sons, Jeff Tolefson and Craig Tolefson (Heather), and grandchildren, Jeffrey Tolefson II, Jennifer Tolefson, Jacob Tolefson (Ashley), Nicholas Tolefson (Taylor), and Zachary Tolefson, and multiple great-grandchildren. One of her favorite things to do was spending time with her family and close friends, which always started out with a big smile and a heartfelt hug.

Fran loved animals, beginning with dogs, becoming an avid breeder of collies in her younger years, and working at veterinarian offices. With her move to Gloucester, Va., in the late 1970s, her love for animals grew to include horses, along with her dogs and cats. She had multiple horses over the years and spent many hours in her stable with them. She also enjoyed many weekends away on trail rides with her daughter-in-law, Heather.

If you ever visited Walter Reed Hospital, there is a good chance you would have been greeted with her smile as she was at the reception desk working as the switchboard operator for many years.

Her older years included the onset of Alzheimer’s, which she fought valiantly. Much thanks and love to Jeff for his dedicated care for her, and the Hospice care and private duty aides that helped along the way with her care.

A private, graveside service is planned for her.