Frances R. McCarty

After 107 years, 5 months, and 11 days of loving Christ, her family, and friends; traveling the world; telling stories and laughing; and opening her home to travelers from all over the world; God has called Frances R. McCarty to be with him in Heaven, to be reunited with her beloved husband David Wilson McCarty; her father, John Russek; and Frances Russek, the mother she didn’t have the opportunity to know.

Fran was born on December 21, 1914 to Slovakian immigrant parents, John and Frances Russek in Narrows, Harney County, Oregon. Her mother died a month after giving birth. Her father moved them to Tacoma, and later, Seattle, Washington. She was raised with help from Emma, John’s second wife, and nuns at Visitation Villa, a Catholic Convent. She graduated from Broadway High School and worked part time in a bakery. As the country was recovering from the Great Depression, she traveled alone to Seward, Alaska where she immediately found work in a bakery. After several years, she returned to Seattle and worked at the Bon Marche Department store where she supervised 35 to 50 young women.

During World War II, she met the love of her life, Major David Wilson McCarty, M.D., who was serving as a doctor at Boeing Field. They married on July 7 1945 and, at the conclusion of the war several months later, they moved to Longmont, Colorado, for Dave to resume his medical practice. They also started their family consisting of David (Dave), John, Robert (Bob), and Frances Ann (Francie). Fran is survived by Dave (Ila) McCarty, David (Sarah), and Harper, Kristin (Jim) Westervelt, and Morgan, Ayden, and Landon, Karl Bailey; John (Barbara) McCarty, Marcus (Carolyn), and Reid and Celia, Lindsey (Ben) Dahl, and Caleb and Brielle; Bob (Sue) McCarty; Francie (Dave) Orvis, and Grant (Alexis) Orvis, and Everett and Langston, Heath (Angie) Orvis, and Ava and Khloe, Kyle (Fatima) Orvis, and Emma.

Fran was a member, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and Elder at Central Presbyterian Church Longmont and later, a member of Calvary Church Longmont. She was a board member, and longtime volunteer of the Longmont Community Foundation. She was a founder of the Longmont Hospital Auxiliary, a member of San Sucie and Tuesday Bridge Clubs, a Study Club, and a member of Chapter M PEO. She delivered Meals on Wheels, and loved and supported the work done by the Longmont Humane Society and A Woman’s Work. Fran and Dave visited all of the state capitals, and traveled the world together. Losing her beloved Dave in 1988 didn’t slow her down. In the 20 years between 1994 and 2014, she took as many as 20 family members on 18 different trips.

The Family would like to thank her bridge club and Chapter M PEO for their kindness and support; and especially the caregivers from Home Care of the Rockies, who loved her and took such great care of her.

A Celebration of Life was held Monday, June 13th at Calvary Church in Longmont. Fran's family extends their deepest gratitude to all those that were able to attend and celebrate Fran together, to those who sent flowers or contributions, and those that otherwise shared their love and support. Fran's service can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/TsK663rTsYA Charitable contributions can be made in Fran's memory to The McCarty Charitable Fund at the Longmont Community Foundation, A Woman’s Work, or Longmont Humane Society. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com for the McCarty Family.