OBITUARY OF
Our Beloved
FRANCES ELIZABETH HUOT HAPPE
March 9, 1936 � December 31, 2022

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Frances Elizabeth Happe, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 31, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fran lived a beautiful and creative 86 years and was always known for bringing beauty and joy to those around her. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 9, 1936 to George Philip and Emily Elizabeth Huot, as the second eldest daughter of six siblings.

She had a love of life and enjoyed dancing the jitterbug whenever she had the chance. Fran was happily married to her beloved husband, Don Happe, for 58 years. Their love and devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Fran Happe was a talented artist and dedicated mother. She graduated from St. Michaels High School in Flint, Michigan in 1954 and went on to work as a secretary at Toledo Scales in her hometown. In 1962, she moved to Chicago, Illinois and took on a position as an Executive Secretary at RCA, where she met her husband, Don Happe. The two fell in love and were married on March 7, 1964.

After becoming a stay-at-home mom, Fran began to pursue her passion for art and took oil painting lessons from a painting master in Chicago. Her first oil paintings were stunning with a high level of skill. Many of these early works are still highly prized by her family, and some have even become the subject of friendly competition among loved ones.

In 1968, the Happe family, consisting of Don and Fran and their three children Julie, Cheri, and Donnie, made the decision to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma after experiencing a severe snow storm in Chicago where the snow drifts reached the third floor of their apartment building. Don was offered the opportunity by Fran's uncle Edward Huot to work as an instrument mechanic for American Airlines, while Fran stayed at home to raise their children. Throughout her life, Fran continued to create beautiful works of art, leaving behind a lasting legacy of her talent and passion.

She became a member and certified Teacher of the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters, Inc. and a charter member of the Tulsa Town Tolers & Decorative Painters in 1980. Fran received a Certificate of Achievement from Marye's School of Floral Design in 1992.

From 1983-1987, she went into partnership with, Pat Ingrahm, Gloria Koskey, and Sue Lund to open Country Charm Keepsakes located at 61st and Peoria. In 1990, Fran and Don purchased and renovated Bossard's Little Red Schoolhouse on 29th and Harvard to open Always In Season. She owned and managed the shop for 27 years and was well known for carrying home accessories and gifts, hand-painted decorative pieces, Beanie Babies, Tyler Candles, and beautiful custom silk floral arrangements until her retirement in June 2017.

Fran was an exhibitor of the War Eagle Fair, arts and crafts show, in Rogers, Arkansas for 33 years. Her booth received 1st Place for two years, and Fran was recognized on her 25th year For Outstanding Service. She featured her collections of oil and acrylic painted artwork, seasonal floral arrangements, and decor at the show.

While her children attended St. Pius X School and Bishop Kelly High School, Fran was a member of St. Pius X Church. She later joined Church of the Madalene in 2005. Fran's faith was an important part of her life and helped her to accept the challenges of living with Alzheimer's disease. She found comfort in the words of Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Despite her inability to communicate due to dementia, Fran continued to pray the Hail Mary and Our Father until the very end.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, George and Emily Huot of Fenton, Michigan. She is survived by her siblings Maryann Konrad, Edward Huot (Kathy), Ronnie McTaggert (Rod), George Huot Jr. (Becky), and Aimee O'Reilly (Don); her three children Julie Horner (Charles), Cheri Ritchie (Tim), and Don Happe (Wanda); eight grandchildren Jacqueline Windle (David), Jessica Ferreri (Jordan), Mason Horner, Joshua Ritchie (Renee), Whitney Ritchie (Tiffany), Brandy Zabodyn, Carrie Zabodyn, and Jenna Happe; and nine great-grandchildren Jameson, Madeline, Harper, Delaney, Lydia, Nicole, Kailey, Nikki, and Kara.

Everyone knew that Fran had a love for her family, antiques, interior decorating, gardening, and especially her peonies, roses, and azaleas. She had a special talent for making a house feel like a warm and welcoming home to all who visited. Fran's family and everyone who knew her will greatly miss her. However, we find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and reunited with the Lord, Jesus Christ, and her loved ones.

Visitation for Fran will be held on Sunday, January 8th, 2023 from 4:30-6:30, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm, located at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 South Boulder Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119. A funeral mass celebrating Fran's life will be held on Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 10:00 am at Church of the Madalene, 3188 East 22nd Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74114.

In honor of Fran's love for art, donations can be made to Bishop Kelley High School, c/o Art Department, 3905 S. Hudson Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma 75135.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151