Frances Rose Homsher

Fran was born on May 6, 1930, in Racine, Wisconsin, the third child of Frank and Katherine Washebek. Baptized as an infant in the Roman Catholic faith, she remained a faithful and devoted Catholic throughout her long and blessed life. Her faith was a constant source of comfort, strength, and hope, remaining close to her heart through her years at Spirit of Christ in Arvada and, most recently, as a remote member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

Born in Racine and raised in Kenosha, Fran later lived in Illinois before making Colorado her home with her beloved husband, Jim. Although Colorado became home, Wisconsin never lost its special place in her heart. Visits with family, especially at Christmas, were among her most cherished memories. Fran had a wonderful gift for making those gatherings joyful, filling them with generosity, thoughtful gifts, laughter, and her unmistakable enthusiasm.

Fran was a woman of warmth, grace, humor, and style. A true fashionista, she took great pride in looking her best, and her beautifully coordinated outfits, perfectly styled hair, and impeccable attention to detail became familiar and endearing sights at Morningstar Senior Living. She was also an enthusiastic shopper, with TJ Maxx among her favorite destinations.

She had a legendary sweet tooth, with strawberry ice cream holding a special place in her heart. More recently, she discovered Dubai chocolate and quickly became a devoted fan, happily sharing her new favorite treat with the staff at Morningstar. Fran also loved football and faithfully cheered for both the Denver Broncos and her beloved Green Bay Packers. Game days at Morningstar were special occasions, filled with friends, snacks, laughter, and her favorite team mascots.

Above all, Fran treasured family and the simple moments that became lasting memories. She enjoyed trips “up north” to her brother Jim’s cabin, Colorado mountain outings, feeding deer along the roadside, and trying her luck at the slot machines in Black Hawk. She and Jim shared many happy evenings dancing at the Elks Club. At home, their parakeet, Reggie, provided endless entertainment and became a cherished member of the family.

Fran loved to cook and enjoyed crafting, often creating handmade gifts for family and carefully sending them along with a card and a thoughtful handwritten note. She also took great pride in her years working in security and baggage screening at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and later at Stapleton Airport in Colorado. Those years brought her into contact with many interesting and well-known people and gave her a treasure trove of stories that she loved to share.

Fran’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, family, generosity, and humor. She had a remarkable ability to bring warmth and happiness into a room and, most importantly, to make those around her feel welcomed, remembered, and loved. Her generous spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and wonderfully distinctive personality left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed by her family and by the many friends, caregivers, and staff members at Morningstar who came to know and love her.

Fran is survived by her nieces Wendy Veasey (Mark), Linda Mattioli, and Janie Washebek; nephew James Washebek (Karen); and stepchildren Gail Kelly and Charles Homsher (Elaine).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 12735 W. 58th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. A Rosary will precede the Mass at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in the church hall.

An interment ceremony will take place on Tuesday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Cemetery, 3300 Springbrook Road, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, where Fran will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jim.

May Fran, faithful in life and generous in love, now rest peacefully in the loving arms of God, reunited with Jim and all those who went before her. May her memory remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.