"Dear John, Jim, Margie and all of your loved ones: I will always remember Aunt Fran and her very proper ways of doing things and her upbeat Spirit. She has been an inspiration to me in many ways through out my life. One thing that will always be remembered is the cookies and fruitcakes at Christmas! I wish time and travel were not an issue in our everyday lives and I could be with you as I was for Uncle Bill. Your parents always held a special place for me in our extended family. Please remember that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you remember and celebrate the life of Aunt Fran."
In loving memory of
FRANCES K. ROBERTSON
October 17, 1915 - May 31, 2007
Frances K. Robertson, age 91, of 1545 E. M-35, Little Lake, died Thursday evening, May 31, 2007 at Marquette General Hospital.
Mrs. Robertson was born on October 17, 1915 in McCook, Nebraska to the late Francis and Olive (Meyers)Beaty. Frances received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa and a Masters degree from the University of Nebraska.
She worked as a teacher for the Iron Mountain Public School System teaching French and English literature. For many years, Frances took her students to Europe during the summer months to study French.
After her retirement, she and her late husband, William, traveled abroad extensively.
Frances was a member of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Little Lake and was an active member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross.
Surviving are three children, John Robertson of Omaha, NE, Dr. James (Christine) Robertson of Santa Rosa, CA and Margaret (Michael) Hunter of Traverse City, MI; five grandchildren, Kirk (Shannon) Robertson, Joshua and Jason Robertson, Diana (Marty) Gookin, Michael (Lyndsay) Hunter and Matthew Hunter; one great grandson, Colin Robertson; also several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. J. William Robertson and a brother, Burton D. Beaty.
Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Marquette. A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 12 p.m. Tuesday in the church with the Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Ray, presiding and Rev. Charles Piper officiating. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Kelsey, Judy Britton and Amelia Musser, all members of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross.
Memorials can be made in Mrs. Robertsons memory to Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Highway M-35, Little Lake, MI 49833.
Tributes
"I was so sad to hear of Mrs. Robertson's passing. In some way we expect people of influence to live forever, and in my heart she will. I was privileged to be able to be on the trip to France with her in 1969 and it changed my life. Because of her high standards I placed in junior year French in college during my freshman year, and placed out of English entirely. I've thought of her often over the years, especially during the 9 trips to Europe (6 with my own French students)I've taken since 1969. She was a remarkable and influential teacher! Sincerely, Diane Rapaich Class of 1970 Iron Mountain High School"
"I am so sad to see that Madame Robertson has passed. She was my French teacher from 1973-76. I can't express in words what an excellent teacher she was. She made us work hard and had high expectations of us. I learned so much from her. She had such class and grace. My sympathies go out to her family. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed, but remembered fondly by the many many lives she touched. Sincerely, Lisa/"Mimi"(Nord)Wender"
"Dear Margie, I was so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. What a blessing that you had been able to spend time with her last week. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kate"
"Mrs. Robertson was a wonderful teacher and warm and welcoming to her students without sacrificing her high standards. I enjoyed her as a person and a 'profesora'. My sympathy in your loss. Martha Nicholls Schinderle 1959"
"Dear Margie and Family, What a difficult time this must be. Frances was a vibrant person who lived a full life and made a difference in many young lives. The world is a better place because of her. I hold you in my thoughts and wish much strength for you. Love, Peggy"
"Dear Extended Robertson Family, I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mrs. Robertson as one of the best and most caring teachers that I encountered in high school. She introduced me to some of the greatest English literature and to the concept of written English as an art to be practiced carefully. I still recall the first several lines of the Canterbury Tales, which she required us to commit to memory. She truly helped me to prepare for college and life thereafter. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Peter Trembath (IMHS '70)"
"The staff of Brookridge Heights sends our sympathy for the death of Frannie. She was a friend to Brookridge, playing the piano for the sing-a-longs and was also a resident at one time. She often visited here and we certainly loved her. Her smile will never be forgotten."
"Dear Margie and Family, Jim & I would like to extend our condolences in the loss of your Mom. We will always remember your Mom as an energetic, enthused, and well respected educator. She was a gutsy lady to take all of us kids to Europe over so many years. Both of my sisters and myself (in 1969) were able to go with her and I was able to see things I've never had any opportunity to see since. Sorry I can't get there for the service but I broke my leg in a ski accident in April and it's difficult to get around. I would have liked to have seen you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim & Bev Tobin."
"Fran and I were very good friends for several years, and we enjoyed travelling together several times. You all were lucky to have her so many years. I will miss her Christmas greetings, but will remember her and the good times we had together."
"I had the pleasure of talking quite often to Fran when most summers I would fix or help her with her mantel clock. I enjoyed my visits and have never met a more pleasant and interesting person. I wear kilts and enjoyed hearing the history of her family. Dale's Clock Shop"
"I just wanted to offer my sympathy in the loss of Fran.. She was a WONDERFUl woman.. I have MANY memories of her as a young girl in the church.. Sunday School, Luncheons, Just her graceful presence.. She was a gift to all and will be dearly missed.. In Christ Love Candy ( Stuart) Lauk"
"On behalf of the Marquette Branch of AAUW, I would like to extend our sincerest sympathy to the family of Frances Robertson. Frances was a longtime member of AAUW and the AAUW Book Club. She will be missed by all members. Kathleen Huggard Corresponding Secretary"