Frances "Fran" Williams, 83, of Duluth, passed away on April 19, 2024. She was surrounded by her 2 sons and daughter-in-law in her woodland home in Fredenberg, as was her wish.

Fran was born to Ann and Frank Horvath on Christmas Day in 1940 in Virginia, MN. She graduated in '58 from Rosevelt High School, and continued on to get a nursing degree at St. Scholastica in '62. She achieved her Master of Arts as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She started her career as a staff nurse. Wended her way through Head Start, Department of Children, Families and Learning, to her favorite job at The Alaris Group, Inc as a QRC. She retired at 73.

Fran met the love of her life, Chuck, in '60 and they married in '62. Although they had different personalities, they immediately clicked with a mutual foundation of what they desired in life, love, and family. They raised their 2 sons, Bret and Tony in Babbitt, MN. They were married until Chuck's death in 2016.

"Frontier Fran" as her sons called her, was a force of nature. As a Feminist and advocate for Equal Rights, she was a warrior for herself and for others. She never backed down from a fight. Always genuine and generous of heart. She loved to knit afghans for family and cherished friends. She was an avid reader of mystery novels and biographies, passionate gardener and baker, and a thoughtful writer of "Franuscripts" for her loved ones.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles "Chuck" Williams; and brother, Robert "Bob" Horvath.

Fran is survived by her sons, Bret and Tony (Alison) Williams; sister, Shirley; brother, Frank Jr.; and her grand-dogs, Riggs and Star-Lord.

As per Fran's wishes, no services are to held. A private Memorial is TBD. In lieu of flowers, it is her wish that donations are made to Second Hand Harvest and Animal Allies in Duluth, MN.