She was born in Harlingen, TX, daughter of the late Anton and Hilda Merdian.
In 1954, she married the love of her life, Edward L. Fontaine, Sr.
Fran had worked in banking throughout her career. Following her retirement, she continued to work at Peerless and Keene City Hall.
She was a proud Texan and her greatest joy was her family. She loved to travel, visit the ocean, watch sunsets, and college Sooners football. She was devoted to her charitable contributions with St. Vincent de Paul.
Fran is survived by her sons: Ed Fontaine and David Fontaine; daughters: Carol Chickering (David) Janice Crestuk (Robert); grandsons: Michael Chickering (Hilary) and Stephen Chickering (Amy); four step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren: Adaline and Gavin Chickering; six step-great-grandchildren; brother: John Merdian (Linda); sisters-in-law: Theresa Murdough and Cecile Chickering; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Edward in 2005, sons Paul and Andrew Fontaine, brother Anton Merdian, and Sr. Mary Merdian.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene, NH. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Main Street, Keene, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made in Frances E. Fontaine’s name to St. Vincent de Paul, 66 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 (www.ssvpusa.org) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).
