Walter and Françoise Calvin

Walter M. Calvin, 89, of Fairview Heights, IL, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at his residence. Françoise F. Calvin (née Bordet), 94, of Fairview Heights, IL, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Brightly Senior Living in Mascoutah, IL.

Walter was born September 17, 1930 in Collinsville, IL to Howard E. and Sallie M. (Wise) Calvin. Françoise was born July 26, 1928 in Bourbonne Les Baines, France to Ernest H. and Marguerite Y. (Bonin) Bordet. They were married July 10, 1954 in Chaumont, France.

Walter proudly served his country as an electronics technician in the United States Air Force for 23 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. He received numerous commendations including medals for Meritorious Achievement and Service, Good Conduct, and the National Defense Service Medal. After retirement, he worked as a machinist at Marsh Stencil Co. in Belleville, IL. He enjoyed fishing, home projects, dabbling in electronics and watching the baseball Cardinals. He had a quick wit which amused many. Françoise was a dedicated Red Cross Volunteer and served for over 60 years. Throughout her career, Françoise received numerous awards including many Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Awards. In 2008, Walter joined Françoise in volunteering and worked alongside her at the Scott AFB, IL Pharmacy until they both ended their volunteering service in December 2019. Françoise enjoyed flower gardening, sewing, knitting and making quilts which she frequently donated. She also exchanged quilt squares with other quilters from around the world. In addition, Françoise was an avid swimmer. She began tracking her laps at the age of 80 and amassed over 2,000 miles when she stopped swimming at the age of 91. Walter, Françoise and their two children lived in France, the Philippine Islands, and Germany, as well as numerous places in the United States.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Howard and Paul Calvin. Françoise was preceded in death by her parents, brother Lucien Bordet, sisters Lucienne (née Bordet) Marinelli and Jacqueline (née Bordet) Bongrain.

Surviving are their children, Patrick (Roberta) Calvin and Patricia (Steve) Allen. Three grandchildren: Angela (Michael) Johnson of Winston-Salem, NC; Ian (Brandy Snyder) Tribout of Belleville, Il and Christopher (Kristine) Calvin of Troy, IL. Five great-grandchildren: Killian Tribout of Swansea, IL; Violet and Siena Johnson of Winston-Salem, NC and Kyla and Caiden Calvin of Troy, IL; Françoise’s sisters Louisette (née Bordet) Augard and Christiane (née Bordet) Roth-Gervais both of France; many nephews and nieces in Illinois, Connecticut, and France.

They both will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved them.

Our family would like to thank the staffs of Brightly Senior Living Center, Dauber Pharmacy, Dr. Stephen Raben, and the nurses and staff of Family Hospice of Belleville for the outstanding care given to Françoise.

Memorial donations may be made to the Poor Clare Sisters, 300 North 60th St., Belleville, IL 62223.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation for both, Walter and Françoise, will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Belleville, IL. Following the mass, inurnment will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.