Frances Catherine Watt died December 3, 2009 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. That she was 80 years old was amazing to her, and that she has died is shocking and sad to all who knew her. A slight, but vigorous, person who could possibly outlive most of us is whom we knew.

Fran was born in Northville, SD June 21, 1929 to Theodore and Mary (Stucker) Perry. At 3 years old she moved with her family to Lead, SD where her father began work for Homestake Mining Co. She graduated from Lead High School in 1947 and married Joseph Watt who had just been discharged from the army. Two daughters were born and Fran began her stint as housewife and mother while Joe worked for Homestake as well.

In 1966 Fran began a job at St Joseph's Hospital in Deadwood, SD. She worked in various positions from nurse's aide to inhalation therapy to pharmacy tech. Her reputation as a hard working, dedicated employee was well known. After 25 years she retired to care for her mother and stepfather in Spearfish. They were among several people who received her care over the years beginning with her husband's grandmother and his mother who she took into her home while raising her family and ending with her adult daughter (Jolene) and elderly former husband who she cared for in their final years. Patrons of the former 6th St Deli in Rapid City delighted in the soups and salads that Fran made when she volunteered her time to her daughter and son-in-law owners in the 1990s. Even though her actions proved otherwise, she would not claim any extraordinary sacrifice - a humble, modest woman.

Fran was admired as a thoroughly neat and clean housekeeper, a generous and sharing neighbor, and a good, fun friend, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren will miss their Grandma Fran who loved babies and sweets almost as much as they do. Her last few years have been truly happy and unencumbered and we only wish there were more to be enjoyed.

"Grief. The pain now is part of the happiness then. That's the deal." C.S. Lewis

Fran is survived by her daughter Connie (Vince) Braun of Rapid City, her brother Kenneth (Marlene) Perry of Spearfish, grandchildren Bethany (Rory) Sumners, Teresa (Nik Towne) Daiss, Nick Daiss, Adam (Leah) Braun and Micah (Peter) Schmid, those seven great grandchildren, and cherished nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, December 8 at 11:00 at Mountain Lawn Cemetery outside of Lead, SD.

A gathering of friends and family will follow at noon at Golden Hills Inn in Lead.