Frances (Fran, Frannie) Haavisto, 68, passed away peacefully in her home on November 2, 2021. She was born on June 29, 1953, to John and Mary Lou (Kane) Fitzpatrick. She was seventh of 13 children. She attended Immaculate Conception School and Butte High School, graduating in 1972. Fran was a devoted long-time secretary of the Butte Teachers Union working under Jim Rosa, Ann Boston and John Yelenich. Her favorite pastime was bowling where she met her husband, Wes Haavisto. She and Wes married on July 12, 1985. Fran and Wes had 3 children, Kristy Lynn (deceased), Edwin John (EJ) and Melissa (Cissy). They were delighted to welcome granddaughters Haley and Abby. Wes passed away in 2015. Fran also was delighted to add Rich’s daughter Akaya and EJ & Sam’s children, Ella and Oliver, to her family.
Fran is survived by her children EJ (Sam) Haavisto and Melissa (Rich) Anzik; grandchildren Haley, Akaya, Abby, Ella and Oliver. She is also survived by her siblings: Katy James, Mary Lou, Pat (Jan), Dick (Danette), Bob, Liz, Suzy Hall (Mike), Colleen, Joan O’Neill (Ed) and Bill (Barb). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.
She was welcomed at the gates of Heaven by husband Wes; beloved daughter Kristy Lynn; parents John and Mary Lou Fitzpatrick; brother John, sister Rose, sister-in-law Karen Fitzpatrick, brother-in-law Art James, nephew Ken Svejkovsky and great-nephew Justin Svejkovsky, as well as her mother and father-in-law, Edwin and Ella Haavisto and brother-in-law Ed Haavisto. She was also preceded in death by her grandpartens, Dr. Pat and Frances Kane and Henry and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick.
The family sends their deep gratitude to Dr. John Pullman and staff at Mercury Street Medical for taking excellent care of Fran over the years. She thought very highly of them. The family also thanks the attendants at A-1 ambulance for their assistance, as well as the employees of Air Exchange and the employees of Bonanza Freeze.
The funeral mass for Fran will be at the Immaculate Conception Church, on Western Ave. and Caledonia Streets, Butte, MT at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 11, 2021, with reception to follow at the Eastside Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter St., Butte, MT. Masks are strongly encouraged. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are recommended to the American Society for Deaf Children, the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Fran.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Fran and her family.
Janice Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to Missy, Rick and all of Fran’s family, May her memories hold dear in your hearts
She is reunited once again with the love of her life Wes and together they will be watching over you with love. Rest in peace Frannie (((hugs)))
Janice Muniz ( Sparky’s Garage )
Char says
I am so very sorry to read of Frannie’s passing. She, Mila and I had so many fun times in the 70s. Can’t say i ever heard Fran say a bad word about anyone ever. Just a kind person she was.
I have no doubt Mila was at the gate to greet her.
I send you all loving thoughts tonight. RIP dear friend.
Susan Konda says
So sorry to hear about Fran,s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family and oh what a great family they are and will always be. Hugs especially for Kate and Liz. My special friends.
Sue Konda