Frances Wetmore

Frances Lee Wetmore was an incredibly strong woman who thrived in the face of adversity. A two time survivor of breast cancer, Fran accepted every challenge she faced in life with dignity. She was a kind and thoughtful mother and friend to all she knew.

1929 was an exciting time to be alive! Despite concern for America’s financial future, there was plenty of reason to be happy. Advances in medical technology led to the discovery of penicillin and for the first time it was possible to efficiently treat infection. In related news, millions of US citizens turned their eyes to a young man named Albert Einstein whose unified field theory showed promise of great things to come. Although there was much news in 1929, for Clarence M. and Marie B. (Lembke) Sinclair of Watervliet, Michigan the greatest news was the birth of their daughter Frances Lee on May 23rd of that same year.

Growing up the youngest of seven girls, Frances was very close to her sisters who lovingly called her Fran. Sadly, when she was only ten years old, the family faced tragedy as her father Clarence passed away. Despite the loss, Fran still remained dedicated to her family and to school. She attended Watervliet High School and at a time when many young women were leaving school after the eighth grade, Fran pursued her education and proudly graduated in 1946. A couple of years after graduating school, Fran met and married her first husband Merrill Malcuit in 1953. Although the couple divorced a few years after being married, the union resulted in a daughter Lisa, whom Fran loved dearly. After the marriage ended, she raised Lisa on her own, and together they created wonderful memories. Fran and Lisa would often enjoy picnics at the lake, and her biggest frustration in life was when the charcoal grill wouldn’t light, but even a grill that wouldn’t light couldn’t keep them from having a good time. Fran was completely devoted to Lisa and she always made sure to attend all of her school events. Most importantly, she worked to maintain a stable home environment for her little girl.

After being a single mother for many years, Fran met and married a man named Jack Wetmore in 1975, and she instantly became a mother to his young daughter Kellie. Even though the marriage eventually ended in divorce, Kellie still remained living with Fran who raised her to adulthood. In order to provide for her daughters, Fran worked in business administration for Professional Medical Clinic for over thirty years. After retiring from the Clinic, she began working at the Riverview Co-op about a year later. She remained at her new job for around three or four years before finally retiring fulltime. With more time on her hands, Fran had the opportunity to enjoy the things she loved, such as visiting the Barn Theatre. No longer working a fulltime job, she also had time to do volunteer work, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Fran could often be found driving several older ladies to the area grocery store or volunteering in the trip office of the Vicksburg Community Center. Each Sunday, however, Fran spent time in church; throughout her life she was a very active member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Portage. Of course she also always made time for her friends and family. Together she and a group of ladies all went out for dinner on their birthdays. They referred to themselves as “The Birthday Club” and they looked forward to getting together. Although Fran’s children were grown by the time she retired, she still remained a great mom, this time devoting all of her attention to her dog, a Peek-a-Poo named Midgie. Fran loved animals, and always had a dog around. It was a very sad day for her when she had to find a home for Midgie after entering Rose Arbor Hospice about six months ago.

After a life filled with love and wonderful memories, Frances Lee Wetmore, 75 of Kalamazoo died Tuesday December 21, 2004 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Learn more about Fran’s life, view her life story film and spend time with her family and friends Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Homes Portage Chapel. Services to celebrate her life and faith will take place at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church Tuesday at 11 a.m. Members of Fran’s family include her daughter Lisa Finn and her husband David, a step daughter Kellie Cekola, granddaughters Rebecca Hoffman and Renee Hoffman, her great grandson Kaleb Hoffman, her step-granddaughter Jennifer Edgar and her sister Beatrice McNees. She was preceded in death by five sisters. Please visit Fran’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a memory or, in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Throughout Fran’s life she remained a strong, caring, and feisty woman who was always very outspoken and opinionated. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and beloved Midgie.