Individual Details
Frances Margaret "Fran" Beaudry
(14 Apr 1910 - 3 Jul 2007)
"Fran" worked as a cashier-bookkeeper at Erickson's store for Hazel and Herman Erickson for 19 years. From "Willy's column" in a May 1944 Hudson Star Observer... "If you had passed the Herman Erickson home on Third street Friday evening, you might have thought the place was being burglarized. But it wasn't: The Ericksons had been locked out. After working late at the store on Friday, Mrs. Erickson and Miss Frances Beaudry, the cashier, went up to Erickson's home. Upon arrival there they discovered they hadn't a key, and every door and window was securely locked. After pondering the situation for some time, it was decided that Miss Beaudry should climb to the second story and gain entrance to the house through a window. With the aid of a shaky and frail trellis, and much to the gless of a number of interested on-lookers, the wall scaling Frances Beaudry climbed to the second floor, and managed to open a window. Thus, the case was finished and "Franny" was the hero of the hour."
Following her employment for the Erickson's, Fran worked as a deputy in the St. Croix county treasurer's office under John C. Bogut and Carl Dahlin for 12 years. In August 1969 she was appointed treasurer to fulfill the unexpired term of Dahlin. She ran for the office of County Treasurer as a Democrat in 1970 and 1972 and was victorious both times. She did not run for re-election in 1974.
HSO, May 1944, Willy's column
If you had passed the Herman Erickson home on Third street Friday evening, you might have thought the place was being burglarized. But it wasn't. The Ericksons were locked out. After working late at the store on Friday, Mrs. Erickson and Miss Frances Beaudry, the cashier, went up to Erickson's home. Upon arrival there they discovered they hadn't a key, and every door and window was securely locked. After pondering the situation for a time, it was decided that Miss Beaudry should climb to the second story and gain entrance to the house through a window. With the aid of a shaky and frail trellis, and much to the glee of a number of interested on-lookers, the wall scaling Frances Beaudry climbed to a second floor, and managed to open a window. Thus, the case was finished and "Franny" was the hero of the hours.
HSO, 13 Aug 1959, p3
Frances Beaudry Engagement Told
John R. Beaudry of Minneapolis announces the engagement of his sister, Miss Frances Margaret Beaudry to Joseph Martin Powers of Stillwater. Miss Beaudry is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ben Beaudry of Hudson. No date has been set for the wedding.
Superior Catholic Herald, 30 Mar 1995, p3
Frances Powers has a favorite saying tacked up on her refrigerator door that might appropriately sum up her life thus far. It reads, "I live in a small house, but my windows look out on a very large world."
Frances, or Fran, as she is known throughout Hudson and her hometown parish of St. Patrick, will turn 85 on April 14, and she just keeps going strong. A lifetime member of the congregation, Fran has seen many changes, traveled extensively, befriended dozens of people, volunteered for numerous activities, and still attends daily Mass.
One of Fran's most well-known accomplishments was to complete a two-term position as St. Croix County treasurer. She was the first woman to ever be elected to the post. It's only natural then, that one of her biggest responsibilities at St. Patrick is organizing the collection-counting crew every Monday at the parish office.
Fran and five other women faithfully total up the money brought in from the weekend collections, and she's done it since retiring 21 years ago.
Fran's parents were Ben and Othelia Beaudry. It might have been a marriage made in heaven, as it was St. Patrick's Msgr. John Barney who played matchmaker for the couple, officiated the ceremony and then baptized several of their children. Fran had four brothers and a half sister.
With vivid memories of her childhood, Fran recollects school days at the old St. Patrick School. "We used to call it 'the Sister school' for short," she says, "because of the nuns that taught there."
At that time, St. Patrick School was a four-room two-story building, with two classes in each room up through the eighth grade.
"My mother was very close to the Sisters," Fran continues. "She was an active member of the Ladies Guild and the Altar and Rosary Society. She worked at all the dinners and bazaars, and always helped clean the church."
Fran cites her mother as the greatest influence in her life--a devout Catholic who set an example of generosity and charity, never turning away anyone in need. Fran has followed suit, offering shelter, food and friendship to the sick and lonely. She has a reputation for always being able to offer a kind word, some advice or companionship to those who are going through crisis or are far from home.
Walking to daily Mass through the coldest of Wisconsin winters, Fran and her mother rarely missed a service. Even now, Fran carries on the tradition of worshiping daily, alternating between St. Patrick Church, Hudson's Christian Community Home and Carmelite convent.
She enjoys the variety of different Mass settings, and also seeing the familiar faces at each location.
Many members of Fran's extended family were active in a variety of church activities--from singing in the choir to organizing ice cream socials.
The Beaudry's even had a designated pew with their name on it, as the custom was in those days-- the fourth row from the front.
She has so many stories to tell about her involvement in the parish over the years, but the fond memories are mixed with those of sadness as well.
Faith was the stable factor that pulled Fran and family members through the tragedy of a brother's drowning in a nearby lake on Easter Sunday, for example. And when her husband, Joseph Powers, died in 1964 after just three years of marriage, Fran persevered and continued being a model humanitarian.
After almost a lifetime of volunteering for parish activities, Fran was recognized by the St. Patrick Ladies Guild as a Pax Christi nominee in 1989. Besides counting money, Fran is currently a Eucharistic minister at St. Patrick. "It's just a good feeling to stay involved in the parish after all these years," she says. "It keeps me close to God."
Because she still drives, Fran regularly makes herself available to local residents needing help running errands, shopping or attending appointments. "My life's philosophy is to always be kind to those less fortunate. Like my mother used to tell me, 'Don't speak about someone unless you have a good word to say.' Just put your trust in God, and he will take care of you.
HSO, 12 Jul 2007
Frances M. Beaudry Powers “Fran” age 97, a life long resident of Hudson died Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at the Christian Community Home of Hudson. Fran was born on April 14, l910 in Hudson the daughter of pioneers Benjamin & Othilia (Friend) Beaudry. She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Hudson High School. She then went on to the Minneapolis Business College to get a certification in accounting and bookkeeping. Due to her bookkeeping skills she was hired by her long time personal friends Hazel & Herman Erickson who just opened a grocery and clothing store in Hudson and preparing to open other stores. After almost 20 years with the Ericksons, she took employment with St. Croix County as Deputy Treasurer for Treasurer Carl Dahlin and Larry Moore. As the Treasurer was an elected office she was elected Treasurer for St. Croix County. She was the first woman to hold that position, retiring in 1974. Fran enjoyed bowling, traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe, the Holy Land, and was on hand at the Vatican when Pope John Paul was shot, a horrifying experience. She was a devout member of St. Patrick’s Parish and had served on many of the parish committees. She married Joseph Powers of Stillwater at St. Patrick’s on August 13, 1960 by the Right Reverend John M. Owens. Joseph preceded her in death in 1964. She was also preceded in death by four brothers and two nieces, and is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 7 at St. Patrick’s in Hudson with Pastor John Parr officiating. Kari Weiss, organist, will accompany the Hope Choir and soloists Charles Giffen and Jackie Browning. Burial was made in St. Patrick’s Cemetery with casketbearers Jeff Bonngard, Stanley Bonngard, Bobby Chenal, Steve Meyer, Dan Dahlberg, and Kenny Chenal. The honorary bearers Joe Beaudry, Stan Bonngard, Maurice Chenal, Chuck Dahlberg, Denny Miller, and Terry Beaudry. A visitation was held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, Hudson from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday July 6. The O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family with arrangements.
Trailblazer for women in St. Croix County BY ELIZABETH MOHR Pioneer Press TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press Article Last Updated:07/09/2007 11:46:38 PM CDT
Frances Powers, former St. Croix County treasurer and a lifelong Hudson, Wis., resident, died July 3 of pneumonia. She was 97.
Believed to be the first woman to hold the treasurer position in the county, Powers was known for her offbeat sense of humor and her love of travel. There have been only female county treasurers since Powers' term.
Powers was born in 1910 in Hudson to immigrants - a Canadian father and German mother. She attended St. Patrick's Grade School and then Hudson High School before going to Minneapolis Business College, where she was certified in accounting and bookkeeping.
Powers did bookkeeping for the Ericksons' department stores for nearly 20 years before landing a job in the St. Croix County treasurer's office, starting out as first deputy. She was appointed acting treasurer when Carl Dahlin had to resign because of health problems in 1969. She ran for the position and was elected in 1970 and 1972.
"In my lifetime, she was the first woman treasurer," said Willis Miller, who is just eight years younger than Powers. "I've known her all my life."
During her time in office, Powers' first deputy was her sister-in-law, Margaret Beaudry, who was elected to the position when Powers retired in 1974.
In retirement Powers managed to keep busy, doing "as much traveling as she could," said niece Julie Bonngard, who is Beaudry's daughter. Some of Powers' more memorable trips included the Vatican and Israel.
She was married to Joseph Powers from 1960 until 1964, when he died of cancer. During those four years she lived in Stillwater - the only time she lived outside of Hudson.
Miller described her as outgoing: "She knew everybody, and everybody knew her."
"She liked to laugh," Bonngard said, "and she liked to make people laugh."
In her later years, Powers lived at the Christian Community Home in Hudson. Bonngard said her aunt liked to razz people with her slightly morbid sense of humor. She once played dead, waiting until the nurses at the home "thought she was gone," and then startled them with a "Boo!"
But she also had a softer side, said Bonngard, and sincerely wanted to help others.
If there was someone who needed cheering up, Powers was quick to the rescue, often with a song. Her tune of choice, Bonngard said, was usually "When it's Springtime in the Rockies," a country waltz from the late 1920s.
Powers was preceded in death by four brothers in addition to her husband. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Elizabeth Mohr can be reached at emohr@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5162.
Following her employment for the Erickson's, Fran worked as a deputy in the St. Croix county treasurer's office under John C. Bogut and Carl Dahlin for 12 years. In August 1969 she was appointed treasurer to fulfill the unexpired term of Dahlin. She ran for the office of County Treasurer as a Democrat in 1970 and 1972 and was victorious both times. She did not run for re-election in 1974.
HSO, May 1944, Willy's column
If you had passed the Herman Erickson home on Third street Friday evening, you might have thought the place was being burglarized. But it wasn't. The Ericksons were locked out. After working late at the store on Friday, Mrs. Erickson and Miss Frances Beaudry, the cashier, went up to Erickson's home. Upon arrival there they discovered they hadn't a key, and every door and window was securely locked. After pondering the situation for a time, it was decided that Miss Beaudry should climb to the second story and gain entrance to the house through a window. With the aid of a shaky and frail trellis, and much to the glee of a number of interested on-lookers, the wall scaling Frances Beaudry climbed to a second floor, and managed to open a window. Thus, the case was finished and "Franny" was the hero of the hours.
HSO, 13 Aug 1959, p3
Frances Beaudry Engagement Told
John R. Beaudry of Minneapolis announces the engagement of his sister, Miss Frances Margaret Beaudry to Joseph Martin Powers of Stillwater. Miss Beaudry is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ben Beaudry of Hudson. No date has been set for the wedding.
Superior Catholic Herald, 30 Mar 1995, p3
Frances Powers has a favorite saying tacked up on her refrigerator door that might appropriately sum up her life thus far. It reads, "I live in a small house, but my windows look out on a very large world."
Frances, or Fran, as she is known throughout Hudson and her hometown parish of St. Patrick, will turn 85 on April 14, and she just keeps going strong. A lifetime member of the congregation, Fran has seen many changes, traveled extensively, befriended dozens of people, volunteered for numerous activities, and still attends daily Mass.
One of Fran's most well-known accomplishments was to complete a two-term position as St. Croix County treasurer. She was the first woman to ever be elected to the post. It's only natural then, that one of her biggest responsibilities at St. Patrick is organizing the collection-counting crew every Monday at the parish office.
Fran and five other women faithfully total up the money brought in from the weekend collections, and she's done it since retiring 21 years ago.
Fran's parents were Ben and Othelia Beaudry. It might have been a marriage made in heaven, as it was St. Patrick's Msgr. John Barney who played matchmaker for the couple, officiated the ceremony and then baptized several of their children. Fran had four brothers and a half sister.
With vivid memories of her childhood, Fran recollects school days at the old St. Patrick School. "We used to call it 'the Sister school' for short," she says, "because of the nuns that taught there."
At that time, St. Patrick School was a four-room two-story building, with two classes in each room up through the eighth grade.
"My mother was very close to the Sisters," Fran continues. "She was an active member of the Ladies Guild and the Altar and Rosary Society. She worked at all the dinners and bazaars, and always helped clean the church."
Fran cites her mother as the greatest influence in her life--a devout Catholic who set an example of generosity and charity, never turning away anyone in need. Fran has followed suit, offering shelter, food and friendship to the sick and lonely. She has a reputation for always being able to offer a kind word, some advice or companionship to those who are going through crisis or are far from home.
Walking to daily Mass through the coldest of Wisconsin winters, Fran and her mother rarely missed a service. Even now, Fran carries on the tradition of worshiping daily, alternating between St. Patrick Church, Hudson's Christian Community Home and Carmelite convent.
She enjoys the variety of different Mass settings, and also seeing the familiar faces at each location.
Many members of Fran's extended family were active in a variety of church activities--from singing in the choir to organizing ice cream socials.
The Beaudry's even had a designated pew with their name on it, as the custom was in those days-- the fourth row from the front.
She has so many stories to tell about her involvement in the parish over the years, but the fond memories are mixed with those of sadness as well.
Faith was the stable factor that pulled Fran and family members through the tragedy of a brother's drowning in a nearby lake on Easter Sunday, for example. And when her husband, Joseph Powers, died in 1964 after just three years of marriage, Fran persevered and continued being a model humanitarian.
After almost a lifetime of volunteering for parish activities, Fran was recognized by the St. Patrick Ladies Guild as a Pax Christi nominee in 1989. Besides counting money, Fran is currently a Eucharistic minister at St. Patrick. "It's just a good feeling to stay involved in the parish after all these years," she says. "It keeps me close to God."
Because she still drives, Fran regularly makes herself available to local residents needing help running errands, shopping or attending appointments. "My life's philosophy is to always be kind to those less fortunate. Like my mother used to tell me, 'Don't speak about someone unless you have a good word to say.' Just put your trust in God, and he will take care of you.
HSO, 12 Jul 2007
Frances M. Beaudry Powers “Fran” age 97, a life long resident of Hudson died Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at the Christian Community Home of Hudson. Fran was born on April 14, l910 in Hudson the daughter of pioneers Benjamin & Othilia (Friend) Beaudry. She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Hudson High School. She then went on to the Minneapolis Business College to get a certification in accounting and bookkeeping. Due to her bookkeeping skills she was hired by her long time personal friends Hazel & Herman Erickson who just opened a grocery and clothing store in Hudson and preparing to open other stores. After almost 20 years with the Ericksons, she took employment with St. Croix County as Deputy Treasurer for Treasurer Carl Dahlin and Larry Moore. As the Treasurer was an elected office she was elected Treasurer for St. Croix County. She was the first woman to hold that position, retiring in 1974. Fran enjoyed bowling, traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe, the Holy Land, and was on hand at the Vatican when Pope John Paul was shot, a horrifying experience. She was a devout member of St. Patrick’s Parish and had served on many of the parish committees. She married Joseph Powers of Stillwater at St. Patrick’s on August 13, 1960 by the Right Reverend John M. Owens. Joseph preceded her in death in 1964. She was also preceded in death by four brothers and two nieces, and is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 7 at St. Patrick’s in Hudson with Pastor John Parr officiating. Kari Weiss, organist, will accompany the Hope Choir and soloists Charles Giffen and Jackie Browning. Burial was made in St. Patrick’s Cemetery with casketbearers Jeff Bonngard, Stanley Bonngard, Bobby Chenal, Steve Meyer, Dan Dahlberg, and Kenny Chenal. The honorary bearers Joe Beaudry, Stan Bonngard, Maurice Chenal, Chuck Dahlberg, Denny Miller, and Terry Beaudry. A visitation was held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, Hudson from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday July 6. The O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson assisted the family with arrangements.
Trailblazer for women in St. Croix County BY ELIZABETH MOHR Pioneer Press TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press Article Last Updated:07/09/2007 11:46:38 PM CDT
Frances Powers, former St. Croix County treasurer and a lifelong Hudson, Wis., resident, died July 3 of pneumonia. She was 97.
Believed to be the first woman to hold the treasurer position in the county, Powers was known for her offbeat sense of humor and her love of travel. There have been only female county treasurers since Powers' term.
Powers was born in 1910 in Hudson to immigrants - a Canadian father and German mother. She attended St. Patrick's Grade School and then Hudson High School before going to Minneapolis Business College, where she was certified in accounting and bookkeeping.
Powers did bookkeeping for the Ericksons' department stores for nearly 20 years before landing a job in the St. Croix County treasurer's office, starting out as first deputy. She was appointed acting treasurer when Carl Dahlin had to resign because of health problems in 1969. She ran for the position and was elected in 1970 and 1972.
"In my lifetime, she was the first woman treasurer," said Willis Miller, who is just eight years younger than Powers. "I've known her all my life."
During her time in office, Powers' first deputy was her sister-in-law, Margaret Beaudry, who was elected to the position when Powers retired in 1974.
In retirement Powers managed to keep busy, doing "as much traveling as she could," said niece Julie Bonngard, who is Beaudry's daughter. Some of Powers' more memorable trips included the Vatican and Israel.
She was married to Joseph Powers from 1960 until 1964, when he died of cancer. During those four years she lived in Stillwater - the only time she lived outside of Hudson.
Miller described her as outgoing: "She knew everybody, and everybody knew her."
"She liked to laugh," Bonngard said, "and she liked to make people laugh."
In her later years, Powers lived at the Christian Community Home in Hudson. Bonngard said her aunt liked to razz people with her slightly morbid sense of humor. She once played dead, waiting until the nurses at the home "thought she was gone," and then startled them with a "Boo!"
But she also had a softer side, said Bonngard, and sincerely wanted to help others.
If there was someone who needed cheering up, Powers was quick to the rescue, often with a song. Her tune of choice, Bonngard said, was usually "When it's Springtime in the Rockies," a country waltz from the late 1920s.
Powers was preceded in death by four brothers in addition to her husband. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Elizabeth Mohr can be reached at emohr@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5162.
Events
| Birth | 14 Apr 1910 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin |  | ||
| Christen | 24 Apr 1910 | St.Patrick's, Hudson, Wisconsin | | ||
| Baptism | 24 Apr 1910 | St. Patrick's Catholich Church; Godparents were Joseph Gartmann and Louisa Gartmann, Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin |  | | |
| Marriage | 13 Aug 1960 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, St. Patrick's - Joseph Aloysius Powers | | ||
| Death | 3 Jul 2007 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin | | ||
| Burial | 7 Jul 2007 | Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery | |
Families
| Spouse | Joseph Aloysius Powers (1891 - 1964) |
| Father | Benjamin Benoit Beaudry (1866 - 1953) |
| Mother | Ottilia Friend (1873 - 1949) |
| Sibling | John Robert Beaudry (1905 - 1967) |
| Sibling | Philip B. Beaudry (1908 - 1990) |
| Sibling | Eugene Anthony "Gene" Beaudry ( - 1985) |
| Sibling | Ernest Beaudry (1914 - 1930) |
Notes
Baptism
Beaudre, Francis Margarett; Baptism date 24 Apr 1910; Father Ben Beaudre; Mother Filla Friend; Birth date 14 Apr 1910; Sponsors Joseph Gartmann and Louisa GartmannEndnotes
1. St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Hudson, Wis., Baptismal Records, Transcribed by Marty O'Connell, 2005.
2. "St. Patrick's Catholic Church Baptismal Records, 1863-1910"; compiled by Marty O'Connell; Hudson Area Library History Room, p2.
3. St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Hudson, Wis., Baptismal Records, Transcribed by Marty O'Connell, 2005.
4. "St. Patrick's Catholic Church Baptismal Records, 1863-1910"; compiled by Marty O'Connell; Hudson Area Library History Room, p2.
5. Hudson Star Observer, Hudson WI, Obituary , 27 Jul 2007, Frances M. Beaudry.
6. Hudson Star Observer, Hudson WI, Obituary , 27 Jul 2007, Frances M. Beaudry.
7. U.S. Social Security Death Index .
8. Hudson Star Observer, Hudson WI, Obituary , 27 Jul 2007, Frances M. Beaudry.
9. Find-A-Grave (www.findagrave.com), Memorial No. 116456521, Frances Beaudry Powers.