Frances A. Watters

1931 - 2012

Frances A. Watters, woman of enduring faith

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

HATFIELD - Frances A. (Woodward) Watters, 80, of Litchfield, N.H., died May 27, 2012, at Greenbriar Terrace in Nashua, N.H., following a brief illness.

She was born on Nov. 30, 1931, in Northampton to Gordon A. and Alice (Thibedeau) Woodward. Raised in Hatfield she attended local schools, later graduating from Mount St. Mary's in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1953 with a degree in economics and sociology.

She married Charles F. Watters Jr. of Staten Island, N.Y., on Dec. 12, 1953, in Hatfield.

The couple moved to Greenfield in 1955. They remained in Greenfield for 30 years, raising four sons there. Frances was active as a member of the junior branch of Franklin County Hospital, and later as a member of the senior branch and buyer for the hospital gift shop. She was a frequent volunteer for a wide range of local organizations and was a substitute teacher for several years in the Greenfield school system.

When her sons were grown, Frances established her own antique business in Deerfield. She later founded Toad Hall toy store and the Bookmonger bookstores in Waterville Valley, N.H., and Stratton, Vt.

She and Charlie split their time between Waterville Valley and their home in Sanibel, Fla., and later, Emerald Isle, N.C.

They moved to the Manchester, N.H., area in 2000, where Frances served several years as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. At the time of her passing, she was a member of St. Luke's Anglican Church in Amherst, N.H.

Frances was possessed of exceptional joie de vivre, an unflaggingly positive outlook and a true gift for making others feel loved and appreciated. She enjoyed most of all spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, reader and traveler. She loved the beach, had a deep interest in genealogy, and delighted in all that was new and interesting. She was a woman of enduring faith.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years; her sons, John J. Watters of Appleton, Wis., Robert J. Watters of Nashua, N.H., Charles W. Watters of Beavercreek, Ohio, and Andrew J. Watters of Merrimack, N.H.; six grandchildren, Robert and Alexandra of Groton, Samuel of Appleton, Wis., and Morgan, Zachary and Auzten of Beavercreek, Ohio; a brother, Gordon A. Woodward of Deerfield; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Frank T. Woodward.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will take place for family and close friends at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 3 Limbo St., Amherst, N.H., on Wednesday, May 30, at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke's Anglican Church, 3 Limbo St., Amherst, NH 03031.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester, N.H., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information or to send a message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.

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