Frances Wiscavage

Frances Wiscavage, age 93, of Gaylord passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Munson McReynolds Hall, surrounded by family.

She was born February 28, 1930, to Harry and Edith (Dryer) Elliott in Nottingham England. As a young schoolgirl, she worked to help England’s World War II effort by knitting socks for the soldiers. She also helped her father grow and distribute food from his Victory Garden. After the war she attended secretarial school where she excelled at shorthand and landed a government job in London.

In 1956, while still living in London, Frances met her future husband, former American GI, Walter Wiscavage. After a year’s correspondence she sailed to the United States, where they were married in Massachusetts. Walter’s job took him to many states and after living in Maine, Ohio, and Montana, they finally settled in Michigan where they resided in Berkley, Clare, and Gaylord.

In addition to raising two daughters, Frances worked at the Mill End Store in Clare for more than 20 years.  She loved her job and the people she worked with. In 1993 Walt and Frances built a home in Gaylord and retired there.

Frances enjoyed knitting, reading, swimming, traveling, camping, the beach, shopping, yard sales, dining out, fish and chips, and good chocolate!  Most importantly she loved spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving her are daughters, Lisa (Charlie) Wiscavage of Seattle, WA; Kimberly (Ken) Crawford of Gaylord; grandchildren, Evan Crawford of Gaylord and Kayley Crawford of Estero, FL; a brother, Dick Elliott of Nottingham; and several nieces and nephews.  Frances was proceeded in death by husband Walter in 2012; infant daughter Jane Anne; her parents and siblings George, Edith, and Leonard.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at McReynolds Hall for the kindness and loving care they provided. In keeping with her wishes, her family will remember her privately. 

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