Frances Lorraine Woodard was taken into God’s Hands on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the age of 86. Fran was born in Vang North Dakota on September 24, 1935 to Morris and Sarah (Sadie) Anderson. She grew up in the town of Edmore with her two younger brothers, Lyle (deceased) and Gaylord, and sister Mayvis Aslakson. After graduating from Edmore High School in 1952, Fran worked in her Uncle Milo’s Restaurant “The Peterson Café”.
In 1954 Fran moved to Seattle and started working for the Boeing Company. She met Vernon Floyd Woodard, who also worked for the Boeing Company, and they were married on December 16th 1956. After their first child Ronald was born, Fran quit her job to raise a family and was blessed with a daughter, Barbara (Shafer).
Vern and Fran were avid golfers and members of Northshore Golf Course. Fran was highly involved in their Junior Golf Program, and she loved every minute of it. It wasn’t just about learning golf, but also golf etiquette. After Vernon’s passing in 1978, Fran started the Woodard Memorial Scramble Golf Tournament there and went back to work to support her two younger children, Laura (Cline) and Douglas.
As a single mother, Fran got a job at the Old Federal Way Shopping Center and worked with the Merchants Association. She was instrumental in bringing in shoppers to the many small businesses by organizing several events, with her favorite being the Annual Oktoberfest. She was honored to be given the American Flag that once flew there.
Fran went on to take the role of Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce in Des Moines. There she spent countless hours planning and organizing the Waterland Festival, which then included a full carnival in the Marina parking lot. Of all the events, her favorite was The Waterland Parade.
She returned to work for the Boeing Company, but continued volunteering her time to the Parade and other events every year. In 2016, she was a Seattle Seafair Commodores honoree, and in 2017 Des Moines honored Fran by making her the Waterland Parade’s Grand Marshall.
Throughout the years, Fran loved Dancing and Music, playing both the piano and the accordion. She loved playing with her Mother “Fiddlin’ Sadie” and her sister Mayvis. Fran brought a ray of sunshine to everyone with her joyful personality, contagious laugh, beautiful smile and sparkling blue eyes.
Along with the afore mentioned, Fran leaves behind Six Grandchildren and Two Great Grandchildren. Frances will be joining Vernon at the Washington Memorial Cemetery near the Praying Hands. A memorial will be planned for a later date. Fran touched many lives, and she will be truly missed.
