In loving memory of

Frances (Fran) Gauthier
November 18, 2004

Frances Fran Gauthier of 1648 E. Westman Road, Little Lake, died Thursday evening at her home with her husband and her family at her side.

Mrs. Gauthier was born in Escanaba to the late Antime and Bertha (Frazer) Clairmont and had been a lifelong Upper Peninsula resident. She was a graduate of Gwinn High School through their adult education program.

Fran retired from Marquette General Hospitals housekeeping department. She loved bird watching as well as spending time in her garden and at Lake Cheerio. She also enjoyed crocheting.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Allen Gauthier who she married on November 21, 1938 at St. Peters Cathedral in Marquette; 5 children, Ruth (Wilfred) Delmont of Little Lake, Gloria (Donald) Peterson of Little Lake, Terry Gauthier of McFarland, Jack Gauthier of Little Lake and Brian Gauthier and his friend Debbie of Little Lake; 14 grandchildren, Julie (James) Richards, Jill (Lance ) Porter, Scott Delmont, Brenda Peterson, Kim (Michael) Parks, Sherri Peterson (Patrick Moncalieri), Terri Ellen Couillard, Billy Jack Gauthier, Amy Gauthier, Amanda Gauthier, Kassie Ketola, Dereck Gauthier, Teara Gauthier, and Susan Varner; 10 great grandchildren, Josh and Jared Richards, Andrew Porter, Brandy and Ryan Peterson, Adam and Lauren Parks, Mara and Mallory Couillard, and Lauren Lamb; 1 great, great granddaughter, Autumn Peterson; 5 siblings, Evelyn Ketola, Phyllis Wolf, Edward (Verlene) Clairmont, Lawrence (Sandy) Clairmont and Fred Clairmont; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death besides her parents were 3 sisters, Catherine Felmlee, Anna Ward and Betty Habitzruther; also a brother, Joseph Clairmont.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Anthonys Catholic Church in Gwinn with Rev. Ronald Timock officiating. Burial will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Tributes

Billy Gauthier wrote on Jan 4, 2010:

"I miss you very much.. We all do!"

shirley barnett wrote on Apr 6, 2009:

"A very nice lady has been taken from her family and gone to be with the LORD. Someone that was very dear to her family and friends, and that will be missed a lot, but never forgotten. May GOD be with u all in this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Shirley Barnett"

Laurie Van Damme & Steve Govier wrote on Apr 6, 2009:

"Were very sorry to hear about Fran. She sure was a nice lady and we enjoyed her every time we seen her. Your all in our thoughts and prayers. Laurie & Steve"

Kathy Akerley wrote on Apr 6, 2009:

"Remembering back, what comes to mind is the caring and sharing that Aunt Fran did. My first thought was a time when I was small that she took a fish hook out of my leg without hesitation. It didn't even hurt, she was so gentle and loved the caring for others. She worked so hard and loved so much for her family and friends. I also remember her sending cards with $5 in them for small occasions that she remembered or heard of. The $5 was hard to come by but she gave with such a big heart that you could feel her feelings when you opened the card. She will always be dear to me. I will miss you Aunt Fran but know that you are up there watching over and making sure no harm comes to the ones you love."

Debbie Richards wrote on Apr 6, 2009:

"I am going to miss my surrogate mother. Fran accepted myself and my daughter Susan into the family unconditionally. She always had something witty to say - or something up her sleeve! She opened her heart to both myself and Susan and I feel lucky to have had her in my life. I have lots of memories, but the one that sticks out is how I know she loved my holiday meals and my lasagna and I will think of her everytime I make them again. I will miss her deeply but will always carry her in my heart. I Love you Fran and I promise to always take care of your baby boy. Debbie"

Susan Varner wrote on Apr 6, 2009:

"I don't have a lot of family to begin with, but when i moved to michigan, i had no-one here besides my mom and dad. When my mom first started dating Brian, Fran instantly accepted us and treated us like we were family. I remember spending time with her at the lake and all the stories she would tell me. She always had something sarcastic to say but nevertheless, funny. She was a very stubborn person, even when she first went to the hospital. But, all these things made her who she was. A kind, loving, sarcastic, stubborn mother and grandmother to many, including myself. I love you and I will miss you dearly Grandma Fran!"