Frances Lillian Goetz passed away on November 8, 2023 at Bishop Noa Nursing Home surrounded by her family. Fran was born July 20, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Donald and Bernice (Hoppa) McCrum. As a young child her family relocated to Miami, FL and moved to Gladstone, MI when she was seven years old where she grew up. With her mother’s remarriage, she was adopted by Leo Anderson when she was 11 years old.
Fran graduated from Gladstone High School in 1957 and became a mother and homemaker, raising her four children. Once her children were all in school, she took a job at Cameron School in Gladstone where she was a teacher’s aide. She moved from that position to a library clerk and a playground aide at the Middle School. In 1995, she got her Library of Michigan certification and went to work at the Gladstone School and Public Library, retiring from there in 2000.
She was Catholic by faith and was commissioned as a Lay Minister by Bishop Garland in 1998. She taught CCD, was a Communion Minister to nursing homes, a lector and a member of the Communion Service Team. She was also involved with Cursillo community.
Fran’s community involvements included MARSP, Bay Sages, Bonifas Art Center, Escanaba Senior Center, Saint Francis Hospital, the Delta County Courthouse, and RSVP where was actively involved in volunteering.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents Bernice and Leo Anderson, biological father Donald McCrum, step-brother Albin Anderson and a sister at birth. She is survived by sons Michael, Gregg (Sarah), daughters Jan (Ed) , Christine (Jim), Grandchildren Manuel Ortiz, Ben Eckstrom, Kelsey Eckstrom, Matthew Goetz, Christopher Goetz and Emily Frances Goetz and her great-granddaughter Charley. She is further survived by brothers Terry (Anne) Anderson, and Ken (Byra) Anderson, several nephews and one niece.
Donna - Gladstone, MI
Sending sincerest condolences to Fran’s family. She was a kind and gentle soul with such a calming voice. I sure enjoyed when she volunteered at the Escanaba Senior Center for us.
Leanne Broman - Gladstone , Mi
Awe bless your soul Mrs Goetz. You always believed in and encouraged me. I know you did not feel very good these last few years. It was my pleasure to know you.
Sandra Hereau - Escanaba, MI
“Grandma Fran” was my classroom grandma at Lemmer Elementary for several years through RSVP. She was wonderful with the children and helped many of them develop a love of reading. Her kindness and patience really made a difference for those kids. She will be deeply missed.
Jenn - Sarasota, Fl
Mrs. Goetz was a very patient and kind individual. My memories of her on the Cameron School playground are happy ones. She really cared about the children she interacted with each day.
Donna Folcik - Rapid River, MI
What a gracious lady. I worked with Fran at both the Cameron and Middle School. I loved her calm but serious demeanor she used with the kids. God has you now, Fran. Prayers for your family. They will miss you as will all of us.
Janet Lindstrom - Escanaba, Mi
I will miss Fran she was such a good friend. I enjoyed our visits and years ago I was part of a New Year’s Eve dinner group and we had so much fun. She was a sister in Christ and always had words of wisdom for me.
I know she loved all of you very much and you respected your mothers life so beautifully. You are all in my prayers. God bless you.
Mary Uelmen - Gladstone , Mi
I’m so sorry Mike,Greg,Jan & Chris. I enjoyed visiting with your Mother. She had a very full life and raised some awesome devoted children.
I will miss seeing her in the Sr Pat room enjoying the activities.
God Bless all of you and you families
Sue Cossette - Escanaba, Mi
Fran was a beautiful person who will be missed. I got to know her at the Escanaba Senior Center when she volunteered. I will miss her. RIP Fran!!!
Joe Baldini - Fort Pierce, FL
So sorry to see the loss of your mother. She was a really good person and enjoyed working with her all those years. You are in my thoughts.
Kay Pryal - Gladstone , Mi
Fran was a good friend to myself and my husband. I knew her from Cursillo and loved spending weekends with her there. We also took some bus trips on color tours and had so much fun! Sorry to all in your family, she was such a humble and kind person.
Jodi Canney - 12961 T Rd, MI
I so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. I have the fondest memories of working with her at the Bonifas Arts Center years ago. I am so sorry for your loss, she was a great woman to have known. Sincerest Sympathies.
Barbara Stacey Black - Umatilla, OR
Fran and I connected online, as my mother was Florence Hoppa, daughter of John Hoppa, who was Fran’s mother Bernices’ brother.
She was always cheerful and helpful with family tree info.
I am sorry to hear of her passing and even sorrier to hear she was in a “home”. what a dreadful end for such a cheerful gal. we enjoyed sharing info together.