Frances McKnew Brillantine was the youngest child of Bill and Dottie McKnew. She grew up in Vienna, VA and was a devoted local girl. She attended Madison High School, George Mason University, and The Catholic University of America, where she earned her Master’s in Library Science. After a couple years at the Fairfax County Law Library, she joined the CUA Law Library in 1990 and mentored many employees and students.

She met her husband Marcus at Fairfax Ice Arena in 1980, when he asked her to couples skate; they were together for 45 years, and married for the last 33. She was incredibly loyal to those she loved. When she found a good thing, she held on tight.

In addition to Marcus, Frances is survived by brother Michael, sisters Mary (Alan), Christine (James), her extended Brillantine-McKnew family, her beloved dogs, Watson and Dottie, and many friends and coworkers. 

Frances was all in on life and Frances was all in on love. She loved to laugh with her friends and family whether it was at home or at work. For Frances her joy came from being around people she loved as often as possible. She and Marcus enjoyed traveling, especially to Chincoteague and to Springsteen concerts. Her other interests included rescue dogs, baking, music, and vintage young adult fiction.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Services will be private.