Obituary of Frances Jean Purdy

Frances Jean McWilliams Purdy was reunited with her beloved husband Rocky on July 18, 2013. Fran was born August 13, 1920 in Cherokee, Iowa to Josephine (Hotz) and William McWilliams. She was raised in that small town, learning the values of faith, family loyalty, the importance of education, and the habits of hard work and frugality all of which she lived out as she went on to Clark College, and later to Minneapolis to work in the war effort at Twin City Ordnance. It was there that her boss, E. A. Purdy, asked Fran to write to his sailor son, Rocky, who was in service in the Navy. She did, and there began the love story of their life together. Fran and Rocky were married in Cherokee, Iowa on June 7, 1947. They welcomed children Becky (joe) Schmitt, John (Mary) Purdy, Liz (Dave) Bulgarelli and Sarah (John) Engels as well as grandchildren John Schmitt, Katie (Steve) Cook, Ellie and Bill Purdy, Lindsay (Art) Wagner-Pronk and Kellie (Curt) Hord and Alex Hord, and great-grandchildren Morgan and Curt. Fran and Rocky were married for almost 66 years until Rocky's death on March 25, 2013. In her school years, Fran took an interest in debate, competing in debating society contests across the state of Iowa. She continued to love a good argument and having strong opinions in many areas, delighted in stating her view and attempting to persuade others to agree with her. She was not above, in her later years, using her seniority as the trump card. Fran also enjoyed playing bridge and, although Rocky was a reluctant partner, they played with the St Joan's bridge group as well as with friends and occasionally family. During a mighty blizzard while visiting in Denver, her grandson John and she played 96 hands--a family record. Fran dedicated her life and time to nurturing her family, welcoming family and friends into her home. Hospitality was one of her great gifts. She was involved in the early years in supporting the school activities and involvements of the kids. In her "spare time" she did "bookwork" and other clerical work for a number of local businesses. Fran and Rocky were longtime parishioners of St. Joan of Arc Parish; they loved the music, the sense of community, and the involvement of their church in the justice issues of the community. After Rocky's retirement, they enjoyed many travels both in the States and abroad, as well as time up at the Island, that wonderful northern Minnesota retreat where there were so many memories of family vacations. Fran was also then able to devote time and attention especially to her grandchildren and the now arriving great grands. Fran and Rocky moved to Iowa City in 2008, to be closer to Liz and Dave and the wonderful health care services of the University of Iowa. Our family is so very grateful to the health care providers and especially the wonderful staff of Melrose Meadows where Fran and Rocky lived in the last five years. Fran was preceded in death by her husband Rocky, her parents, her siblings and their spouses Mary Jane and Jack Leonard and Bill and Roberta McWilliams. Funeral services will be held for both Fran and Rocky at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 17, 2013, with visitation at 10:00 am and funeral Mass at 11:00 am . Memorial contributions may be directed to St Joan of Arc. Online condolences may be sent for their family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.