Frances Martha Noyes, longtime resident of Greenbelt, MD, died after a stroke at the age of 89
on June 13, 2020. She will be missed by many. Frances is survived by her children Michael, his
wife Angela, their three children Madalena, Natalia, and Suzannah; and Victoria, her husband
Frank Carnovale, and many nieces and nephews. Born on February 22, 1931 to Joseph and
Theresa Wilfinger in Allentown, Pennsylvania, she was preceded in death by her brother
Gottfried (Joe) and sister Theresa. Frances was a gifted musician and an accomplished pianist.
Growing up she performed regularly with her violinist brother, in ensembles, and as soloist. She
graduated from Cedar Crest College, Allentown, in 1952 and subsequently moved to Boston to
further her musical studies. There she met her future husband John Z. Noyes, whom she
married on August 13,1955. They moved to Washington, DC where John attended George
Washington University Law School, receiving his law degree. Frances developed a second
career as an editorial assistant for a publishing house, and in time became editor-in-chief. After
moving to Greenbelt in the early 1980’s she became quite active as studio pianist for the
Washington School of Ballet and the Washington Ballet under Director Mary Day, the J.F.
Kennedy Center dance series of master classes with Suzanne Farrell, the Montgomery School
of Ballet, and more. Frances simultaneously lovingly cared for her husband John throughout his
long struggle with renal failure, who preceded her in death on Oct.5, 2000. There will be a
memorial service TBA.
Monday, July 12, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Arlington National Cemetery
Visits: 6
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors