Frances Fisher McDonald passed away Monday, January 16th, 2023 at the age of 89, in Helena, Montana after an extended illness.
Frances was born March 21st, 1933 to James and Ruth Fisher. She spent her formative years in Glacier County, Montana. Her mother taught at various country schools on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, while her father worked as a boiler and maintenance engineer at the schools.
Frances had two brothers and a sister, the youngest being 13 years older than her. She recalls growing up much like an only child, which may have attributed to her independent spirit. Some of Frances’ favorite childhood memories included fishing and trapping at the family’s home on St. Mary Lake. She had many stories about her outdoor adventures with her father and siblings. Frances’ father died, under suspicious circumstances, when she was 8 years of age. His loss greatly affected her.
Frances graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1951 and then attended Carroll College, enrolling in the Nursing program. While in Helena, she met Charles “Dan” McDonald. They were married in 1952. In 1955 they acquired a small ranch, near Dan’s parent’s ranch, in Canyon Creek and the family moved there with their two small children. Frances worked with Dan on the ranch, maintained a large vegetable garden and sold eggs to supplement the family income. Frances valued education and encouraged her children in academics, music, and art.
Frances had an inquiring mind and loved to read and write. She was particularly interested in U.S., Montana and Native American history. Frances was proud of her native heritage. She was also a member of the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution organization. Frances helped with research and writing of several local history books as well as an extensive family genealogy.
Frances had a soft spot for animals, especially birds and dogs. She enjoyed bird watching and identification, owls being her favorite. In later years she accumulated cats which kept her company and entertained.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Mary Van Dyken (Keith) Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren Jason Van Dyken (Crystal) of Beaverton, Oregon, Lindsey Chronister (Erik) of Anchorage, Alaska and Samantha Holshue (Zach) of Canyon Creek, Montana. She was blessed with four great-grandchildren, Jacob and Asher Chronister of Anchorage, Alaska and Avery and Haley Holshue of Canyon Creek, Montana.
Frances was preceded in death by her siblings James Fisher, Jean Fisher Stark, Emerson Fisher; her husband, Charles Dan McDonald; and her son, James “Jim” McDonald.
The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff at Renaissance Senior Care for their kindness and care for Frances the last several years.
In respecting Frances’ wishes, there will not be a formal memorial service. Memorials in Frances’ name are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society.
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