Francis "Fran" Mae Mowrer

Fran was born at home on February 13, 1932, in Parma, MI to Lemuel and Juanita Allen, the fifth of six children. She graduated from Parma High School in 1950 and in the same year began nursing school at Foote Hospital, graduating in 1953 with her Registered Nursing degree. Fran had a 40-year career in Jackson and Albion, retiring in 1992 as the Head Nurse of OB at Albion Hospital. After retirement from the hospital, she assisted her husband, Paul, at Mowrer Insurance Agency as the Office Manager. She also sold Greyhound bus tickets.

On September 5th, 1953, Fran married her high school sweetheart, Paul. Together they raised their family on the family dairy farm. Fran resided there for over 70 years. Paul preceded her in death after 60 years of marriage in 2013.

Fran is survived by her daughters, Penny (Richmond) Morgan of Jackson, MI, Pam (Bobby) Harding of Parma, MI, Wendy (Don) Lake of Springport, MI, and Jennifer (Clint) Craft of Bellaire, MI; grandchildren, Donald Ryan (Erica) Lake, Zack (Kody) Harding, Chelsea (Michael) Myers, Drew (Sam) Harding, Neil (Keara) Craft, Abigail (Peyton) Navarre, and brother, James Allen.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Lea Allen, Rosalie Smith, Shirley Brown, and Georgene Allen; grandson, Brett Lake, and adopted sons, Tom Mowrer and Michael Mowrer.

Fran was a lifelong resident of Parma. As a devoted “farm wife” and nurse, she juggled a busy schedule. Fran enjoyed knitting, ceramics, and painting, and was a wonderful self-taught seamstress. Fran and Paul enjoyed occasional travel to Florida after retirement. A member of Parma United Methodist Church for over 70 years and the UMW, a long-time Jackson County 4-H leader, running Camp Macgregor for many years, and a Mary Kay consultant for 35 years.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 1st, 2023 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224. A memorial service will be held the following day, Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at 11:00 AM at North Parma United Methodist Church, 11970 Devereaux Rd. Parma, MI 49269.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to S.A.F.E. (Springport Area Foundation for Education), PO BOX 83, Springport, MI 49284, and the North Parma United Methodist Church MEMORIAL FUND, PO BOX 25, Parma, MI 49269.