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Betty Vachon Obituary

Age 85 Of St. Paul Passed away peacefully on April 2, 2010, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was surrounded by her family and the caring staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home. Born & raised in Fraser, near Chisholm on the Iron Range, she was a gifted artist who loved her roots and was known locally as "Iron Ore Betty." She was a graduate of Mpls College of Art & Design and had over 20 exhibitions of her artwork over the years. She was a member of the MN Artist Assoc and of League of Women Voters. She will be remembered always through her beautiful artwork, her fun-loving personality and strong faith in God. Preceded in death by husband of 54 years, Bob. Survived by sons, Larry of Roseville and Paul of Los Angeles; daughter, Francine Greelis (Richard) of Bloomington; grandchildren, Brandon Vachon, Dusty, Luke and Henry Greelis. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Friday at NATIVITY OF OUR LORD CATHOLIC CHURCH, Stanford at Prior. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave. 4-7 PM Thursday and at church ½ hour prior to Mass. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota. 651-228-1006


Published by Pioneer Press from Apr. 4 to Apr. 6, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sorry I missed your Mothers passing. She was a great lady.

Dave Quarfoth

January 31, 2011

Dear Francine, Paul and Larry, My condolences on the death of your mother. She was a lively and gracious person. Martha and I thought the world of her.

We met your folks in the early fifties through Jack Garney. They were living in South East Minneapolis in a small apartment. In that era we often went out to parties many of which were of a political nature. Since your mother was so involved Martha introduced her to the League of Women Voters. As you might expect the group took to your mother immediately. At that time your mother took you to Madeline Island for summer holidays. Later we visited your whole family on the St Croix at Green Lake. Our kids were jealous because you kids were at the water all summer long. Many were the times Betty and you came to Big Marine Lake to visit us. One year when she stayed a few days, Betty did a water color of our cabin with Martha on the front porch a Helen, my daughter, sitting on the step below. I hangs in the hall together with a photo of your mother standing on the top step with Helen sitting as she posed a dozen years earlier. I will always cherish it and to other pictures your mother gave me. One is a momento of a trip your folks and we took to Ireland about 1990. From a sketch she made on Ireland's west coast, she later made water color and sent it to us. One other picture is an oil of a dandelion. All of them hang in promient place and remind me of your mother and the good times we had.

She certainly was vital and full of fun. She even used us as an excuse to have a party each time we came from Australia. The hospitality was almost overwelming. Heaven is livelier now that she is there.
Again, my condolences and best regards more later. Jim Liesch.

Jim Liesch

April 11, 2010

My dearest Frannie, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mom is smiling now...and,with your Dad. I am sure that they are saying what a lovely daughter they have...you were so good to them. You must feel at peace knowing that they are back together. I love you !
xoxo Kelly, Ed , Eddie and Tommy

Kelly Olson

April 8, 2010

Larry & Fran, we are so sorry to hear about your Mom. May she rest in peace and be happily reunited with your Dad.
Your cabin neighbors,

Steve & Shannon

April 7, 2010

Betty was a happy lovely person and a great friend of my Mother's, now they will be together again! Rest in Peace.

April 7, 2010

I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort help you to cope during this time of sorrow.
Philippians 4:6,7.

April 6, 2010

On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences on the loss of Betty. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Courage Center

April 6, 2010

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Funeral services provided by:

Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Grand Avenue Chapel

1167 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105

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