Frances A. (Albro) Fitzhugh

Frances Albro “Fran” Fitzhugh passed away on February 25, 2015 at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Pendleton, Oregon at the age of 88 years. She was born at home on April 9, 1926 to Willis A. and Sabina A. (Lane) Albro in Willow Creek, Montana. She joined a half-sister Rena, brothers, Emmet & Bernard and sister, Maxine. Fran was the middle child of nine. Over the next few years Arlene, Lawrence, Bill, and Jim rounded out the large family. They were a close knit, hard working, competitive family. Fran graduated from Willow Creek High School and then went to work for the State of Montana Highway Department. She lived at the “Y” in Helena where she made lifelong friends.

The kids were all very athletic but, basketball was the sport of choice. Fran was always proud of the time the girls team beat the boys A squad, where she was the top scorer. She was an avid fan of the Echo Cougars, Celtics, and Gonzaga.

Fran met Harley L. “Jack” Fitzhugh while ice skating. She thought he was quite a “handsome hot shot” on skates. They married on April 25, 1945 during one of his Navy leaves. They celebrated 69 years together before his passing in July of 2014. It was also his birthday, so he never forgot an anniversary. To this union 3 daughters were born: Penny, Patricia “Patsy”, and Kelly.

They lived in Harrison, MT for some time while Jack worked for his father before moving to Three Forks where they established a cattle hauling business. They moved to Oregon and after several moves settled in Echo where they resided for 39 years. After retirement, they drove school bus for the Echo School. The kids loved them and were considered grandparents by many. Their home was a welcome safe haven for kids after school activities or ball games while waiting for parents.    

Fran was well known for her hospitality, quick Irish wit, great cooking, beautiful yard, positive attitude, and generosity to all. She was a wonderful loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and neighbor.

She is survived by her daughters: Penny Gavette & her husband Ron who often said that he was blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law, of Pendleton, OR, & Kelly Hale, Stanfield, OR; grandson: Brett Conner & wife Polly; granddaughter: Erica Haak & husband Nate; and great grandchildren: Cameron & Abby Conner.
 
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, husband, half sister, five brothers, and a daughter.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston, Oregon.

A private family burial will be held at the Echo Cemetery, Echo, Oregon.

Please sign the guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements..

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