Francis Walsh Kissell

Francis Walsh Kissell passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by four generations of family and loved ones.  Fran was born on December 7, 1934 to Thomas "Gov"  Walsh and May Bennett Walsh in Anaconda, MT.  She spent her early years roaming the hills and fields of Anaconda and the Deer Lodge Valley with her four sisters, many cousins and her special childhood friend Joyce Sharf.  Recanting adventures from her childhood, many that rivaled Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, were a favorite pastime of Fran's.  She could captivate an audience of every age and often bring the room to laughter.

Fran graduated from Anaconda Central High School in 1953 and moved on to Carroll College to study nursing.  It was there that she met Lavonna Baumgartner who in addition to being a lifelong friend would eventually introduce her to her future husband Bob Kissell.  Bob and Fran's life together began on January 2, 1960, and lasted an amazing 59 years until Bob's death in 2019.  Bob brought his children, Mike and Connie, to the marriage so in a very short time Fran became a wife, a mother and a nurse.  Regardless of what cap she was wearing, Fran excelled at each and every role she took on.  Over the years their family grew to include Kevin, Pat, Markie and Kerry from which new adventures and an expanded library of stories grew.

Fran graduated from college and immediately moved into a nursing career that ran some 40 years.  Her initial assignments included emergency room support that much to all her sons' dismay led to the answer "NO" whenever we'd ask if we could buy a motorcycle.  In the early 1970s Fran's dream job presented itself and she spent the next 25 years caring for newborn babies with specialized training in premature baby care.  She built a reputation as an excellent nurse and was widely regarded as a qualified resource for medical staff and young parents to tap into for advice. It was not uncommon for Fran to be stopped in public by a parent, thanking her for the care she gave their child and the confidence they felt watching her work.  "Fran the Nurse" was a nickname she wore with pride.

Fran had many treasures in life but none more meaningful than her family. Her life revolved around her six children, fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren all of whom knew her well and kept their own special relationship with her.  Gramma Fran, Nana, GG and mom were the names we gave her and what she gave us in return was unconditional love.

Fran is preceded in death by; parents Thomas and May Walsh, mother-in-law Audrey Keiser, husband Robert Kissell, son Micheal Kissell, sisters Betty Driscoll, Marial Jones, Lucielle Siegle, and Nona Lord, brothers in law Tom Driscoll, Ed Lord, Emery Jones and Oscar Siegle, and niece Kieran Ann Johnson.

Fran is survived by; daughter Connie (John) McDonald, son Kevin (Mary) Kissell, son Patrick (Tami) Kissell, daughter Markie (Robin Moodry) Kissell and daughter Kerry Taylor; grandchildren Angela and Micheal Kissell, Terry McDonald, Jennifer McDonald, Sean Kissell, Christopher (Kendyl) Kissell, Kelly Kissell, Thomas Kissell and Gabe (Abigail) Kissell, Jake Dallaserra, McKensie Jeffrey, Maisy, William and Jack Taylor and Ryan Moodry. Great grandchildren Finn and Ella McDonald, Rylee and Brody Rook, Kendalyn, Tucker and Cruz Kissell, Karlee and Turner Jeffrey, Timber, Nona and Karsyn Kissell, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 5:00pm to 6:00pm Thursday March 27, in the Duggan Dolan Chapel for visitations.  Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:00pm.  Visitations will resume Friday March 28, from 10:00am to 11:00am in St. Ann's Church.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am.

Special thanks to Dr. Shawna Yates, Enhabit Hospice and the entire staff at Springs Senior Living for their outstanding support and care of our mother.

Donations and memorials can be made to BSW, St James Foundation, Shriners Hospital or donor's choice.