Mary Francis Scharch

Mary Francis Duncan Scharch passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 95. Mary Fran was born on December 28, 1930, in Union City, Indiana, to Lemme E. Duncan and Margaret Ellen Wampler Duncan.

Mary Fran graduated from Lewisburg Union High School in Ohio in 1949, where she distinguished herself as senior class president and salutatorian. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree and two master’s degrees from Ball State University Teachers College in Muncie, Indiana.

She dedicated her professional life to education, teaching in Richmond, Indiana; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Fernandina Beach, Florida; and Jacksonville, Florida, where she continued to inspire students until her retirement at age 67.

Mary Fran had a love for travel, taking over 100 cruises, many to the Caribbean, with her family - a perfect alternative, as she preferred not to fly. She lived independently at Cypress Village in Jacksonville, Florida, remaining sharp, active, and engaged until a fall two weeks before her passing.

She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Scharch of Jacksonville, Florida, and Lisa Scharch Kaye of Bothell, Washington; her two grandsons, Zach and Cameron Kaye; and her brother, Robert Duncan, M.D. (Janis), of Jacksonville, Florida.

Mary Fran was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John H. Scharch, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Quinn Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. A service will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery on April 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Mary Fran will be remembered for her intelligence, independence, warmth, and friendliness. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.