Beloved Delray Beach Arts Advocate Frances Bourque Passes Away at 84

Delray Beach, Florida, USA - Frances Bourque, a beloved figure in Delray Beach and the founder of Old School Square, has passed away at the age of 84. Described as a pivotal advocate for the arts and historic preservation, Bourque’s contributions to the community have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of South Florida. As Winnie Diggans Edwards, the executive director of the Delray Beach Historical Society, poignantly noted, the community is heartbroken over the loss of a woman who dedicated her life to the betterment of her neighborhood.

Bourque was born into a large family in Belle Glade and met her husband Bob at a fraternity party in 1961. After their marriage in 1963, they raised their family in Delray Beach, where Bob established a successful practice as an OB/GYN. Frances’s passion for community activism blossomed in the mid-1980s when she observed the dereliction of three historic school buildings dating back to 1913. This experience prompted her to form a task force that eventually led to the creation of Old School Square, Inc., a project aimed at revitalizing downtown Delray Beach and creating a vibrant gathering place for the arts.

A Legacy of Preservation

Bourque’s vision was clear: she wanted to breathe new life into the arts scene in Delray Beach while preserving its historical roots. Under her leadership, Old School Square became a cultural cornerstone, earning local, state, and even national recognition for its diverse arts programming. According to Boca Magazine, she played a crucial role in restoring the Cornell Museum and the Vintage Gymnasium and was instrumental in constructing the Amphitheatre stage.

Her commitment was not limited to Old School Square; Bourque served on several prestigious boards, including the Florida Department of State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Historic Palm Beach County Preservation Board. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, as her numerous accolades include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and recognition from both the University of Florida and the City of Delray Beach.

A Lasting Impact

Even after the city ended its lease with Old School Square in 2021, Bourque continued to advocate for the arts and community service, underscoring her unwavering dedication. Laura Simon, president of the Downtown Development Authority, aptly stated that Bourque’s leadership and vision will continue to influence the cultural landscape of Delray Beach. In addition to her direct contributions to local arts, a scholarship fund has been established in her name to inspire young people interested in arts and cultural preservation, as noted by the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Bourque’s battle with pancreatic cancer in the early 2000s profoundly altered her perspective on life, propelling her to champion community initiatives with renewed vigor. Regarded as a woman of grace and a leader with a good hand for historic preservation, Frances Bourque’s legacy will be felt for generations to come. As the community mourns her passing, it also celebrates a life well-lived, a soul dedicated to the arts, and a heart steadfastly committed to the people of Delray Beach.