Frances Valente

Fran was born on December 15, 1948, in Marquette at St. Luke’s Hospital, daughter of the late Frank S. and Cecelia T. (Sarvello) Valente. She graduated from St. John’s Grade School in 1963, Ishpeming High School in 1967, and the UP Beauty Academy in Marquette in 1968.

Fran worked part time as a cosmetologist at Rosemarie’s Beauty Salon between 1969- 1990. She also served part time as the coordinator for grades 1-6 for CCD Catholic Education Program.

Fran was a member of the Blue Notes, charter member of the Ishpeming Tri-Township Lions Club where she was the Tail Twister for 2 years and secretary for 12, she was a member of Bunco, Daughters of Isabelle, the Paisano Club, Barnum Girls Group, Don’s Country Serenaders Band, UP Stompers Line-dancers of Pasquali’s in Negaunee, and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 114. She enjoyed singing with her sisters for parties, as well as singing at weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and special occasions. Fran played Patsy Cline in the musical “Always” where she sang 25 of Patsy’s greatest hits.

Frances is survived by 2 children- Tina (Craig) Anderson of Concord, NC, Tony (Rebekah) Ayotte of Negaunee; 7 grandchildren- Jacob, Nicholas, Luke, and Blake Anderson, Mike and Samantha Rivord, and Drake Ayotte; 4 sisters- Rosemarie (Knut) Strom, Clara (Allan) Kutchie, Mary (Eugene) Tasson, Evelyn (Darwin) Valente-Heikkila; 1 brother- Joseph (Judy) Valente; special friend, Steve Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, William Ayotte.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday July 26, 2019, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am until 1:00pm with the Mass starting at 1:00pm. Fr. Ryan Ford will serve as celebrant. A dessert social will follow in the church hall. Inurnment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.