Mary 'Fran' Frances Lessard Obituary (1927

Mary Frances (Heath) Lessard died peacefully on Christmas morning, 2019, at the age of 92. Fran was born on June 7, 1927, the youngest of 11 children, to Walter Thomas Heath and Mettie Mae (Gilvin) Heath Hill in Dearborn, MO. She spent her youth in Missouri and Kansas, where the family worked in the farming and tobacco industries. Fran and her sister, Fay, moved with their parents to Washington in 1941, to find a better way of life. On Nov. 18, 1946, she married Ray L. Lessard and they began their life together. They were married for 66 years and raised three daughters in the Moxee and Terrace Heights areas. Fran worked in various restaurants, grocery stores and in retail. Because of her friendly nature and loyalty to her employers, she was always considered a valuable employee. Music was always a source of great enjoyment for Fran. She sang and played the guitar and organ. From time to time, shed break out in a yodel as she enjoyed country music the most. She performed in several choirs including Holy Rosary Church, The Sweet Adelines, and was a member of the Harmon Center Senior Band for many years. Fran also belonged to TOPS Club 368 for over 40 years where she developed a strong, supportive network of friends. Her other hobbies included traveling with her husband and the Sagebrush Hoppers RV Club. They toured the PNW for 13 years with their fifth-wheel and made trips to California, Missouri and Canada. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray (2013), her parents and siblings Russell, John, Earl and Walter Heath, Katherine Mochel, Fay Qunell and Clara Cox and three siblings who died in childhood. Fran is survived by her three daughters and their families including Joy Lessard of Ellensburg; Nancy Richardson (Bob) of Yakima; and Darla Kenoyer (Dave) of Cashmere. Her five grandchildren Carly (Adam) Jackson and their daughter Jillian Rae (Spokane); Kevin Richardson (Yakima); Molly (Jonah) Bies (Spokane); Dani Kenoyer (Spokane); and Jason Kenoyer (Cashmere) were a source of pride to her. Other family members include her sisters-in-law Ferne Heath, Ann Schmidt, Joyce Hammermeister, Vi Lessard and Sharon Lessard as well as many nieces and nephews. A rosary will be said on January 9, at 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on January 10, at 11 a.m. both at Holy Rosary Church at 201 N. Iler St. in Moxee. A reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Holy Rosary Church or Virginia Mason Memorial Hospice program. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Rosary Catholic Church Friday, January 10, 2020 11:00 AM 201 N Iler St. Moxee, WA 98936 A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.