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 November 30, 1931, in Northampton, Mass., to Gordon A. and Alice (Thibedeau) Woodward. Raised in Hatfield, Mass., she attended local schools, later graduating from Mt. Saint Mary's in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. She graduated from Mt. 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, Mass., in 1955. They remained in Greenfield for thirty 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, Mass. 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.
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, Mass., Samuel of Appleton, Wis., and Morgan, Zachary and Auzten of Beavercreek, Ohio; a brother, Gordon A. Woodward of Deerfield, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Frank T. Woodward.
A memorial service for family and close friends took place on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Amherst, N.H. Burial will take place at The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery 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.