Frances M. Beecher

Frances M. Beecher of Novato passed away peacefully on December 5, 2014 at the age of 83. She was born on June 13,1931 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and graduated from Central High School. After High School she worked as a bookkeeper for a local company. Fran met her soulmate on a blind date and married Waymen D. Beecher on January 22, 1955. Fran and Waymen farmed north of Ellendale, North Dakota, for about 3 years until they moved to Redwood City, California, looking for better opportunities. A few years later, they moved to Novato and continued to grow their family. Fran took great pride in being a mother and homemaker; her house was always spotless and often had the smell of fresh bread baking. She enjoyed baking and cooking family dinners. Fran loved her roses and flowers; she loved working outside with them. She was also very creative with her hands and an expert seamstress, often making the clothing for herself, her two daughters and their dolls. She also enjoyed knitting. She would knit sweaters, slippers, afghans, and baby blankets. In her fifties, she finally mastered the art of crocheting and made many table runners and doilies. While Waymen was alive, she enjoyed traveling and camping in their RV where she visited many states and national parks. Fran is survived by her children: Craig (Marcy) Beecher, Roberta (Tom) Shockey, Alicia (Jack) Feeley, and Donald (BinBin) Beecher. Grandchildren: Ashley Leach, Susie Shockey, Robert Shockey, Christine Shockey, Donald Feeley, Jake Feeley, Alexis Beecher, and Boren Song. Great grandchildren: Izabella Beecher and Mariah Beecher. Fran also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins. Fran was preceded in death by her husband Waymen Beecher, parents Mary and Alex Baer, brother Fabian Baer, sisters Ann Strome and Mary Grimm.