In Memory of

Margaret

Florence

Franz

Obituary for Margaret Florence Franz

Margaret Florence (Wellband) Franz of 194 Brock Street, Rochester, NH passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 4th. Peg, as she liked to be called, was born on March 1,1928. She had just celebrated her 92nd birthday. She was the daughter of Margaret Louise Clement (Woburn, MA) and Richard Joseph Wellband (born in England). She graduated from Woburn High School, class of 1945. On Nov. 27, 1947 she married her loving husband Alfred James Franz who predeceased her in 2004. They shared four surviving children. Her three daughters, Karen Buckley, Susan Bealieu and husband Joe, Lauren Kennard and her partner Michael Williams, a son Ronald Franz and his wife Linda. Sisters Helen Morse, and Judith Lonergan. Grandchildren Rick and Katie Franz, Paul, Lisa, and Toni Mitrano, and Johanna Kennard. Great grandchildren Amber Allen, Sierra Sparks, and Alex and Danielle Pelletier. Great-great grandchildren Aurora and Anastasia. After her marriage, Peg and Alfred (Bud) moved to their home in Tewksbury, MA and lived there for 39 years. In Tewksbury, she was involved with the League of Women Voters. Her employment prior to retirement, was with Ingold Electronics in Lexington, MA performing quality control inspections. While working here, her boss treated all of his employees to a trip of a lifetime to Switzerland. It was a trip that she enjoyed telling for the rest of her life. Upon retirement Peg and Bud moved to Nottingham, NH where she became active in the Nottingham Congregational church. There, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and being a vacation bible school helper and volunteering. She was a member of the Else Cilley chapter D.A.R and became the national defense chairman, Veteran’s affairs chairman and in public relations. After the death of her husband, she moved to Tara Estates in Rochester in 2005 and enjoyed an independent lifestyle. Her beautiful gardens were filled with Dick Wellband Daffodils, Snowdrops and Trilliums which brought her so much happiness. She made wonderful friends, joined the Red Hat Ladies, and enjoyed church services at the Walnut Grove Church. She lived life the way that she wanted and kept herself very busy. All of the family enjoyed many wonderful family gatherings with her no matter where she lived. The last few years she was blessed with the opportunity to continue her independence and was able to move into her new apartment at 194 Brock Street. While living there, she continued to enjoy having flowers to care for and sit on her swing lounge. Peg lived her life as a strong and loving mom, friend, grandmother, and great grandmother. It was her strengths that set the example for her family so that all could learn to face life's challenges. From the time that she became a mother, she used her strengths and love to make sure that her family was safe, loved and provided for with all that she could give. In the 60's she enjoyed a trip to California with her family going across country in a Rambler station wagon and tent trailer. Later she and Al enjoyed camping up at the Baker River Campground in Rumney, NH. She took a trip to Hawaii and then to Alaska, which had always been a life goal. She appreciated that her loved ones helped to make her dreams come true. She will be forever missed. Her faith in God brought her through both her battles and happy times. Her family has always been her most precious legacy. We ask that you in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in her name to the Walnut Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 813, Rochester, NH 03866, St. Jude’s, Shriners, Salvation Army or Gerry’s Food Pantry 150 Wakefield Street, Suite 14 Rochester, Nh 03867, The family will be doing a memorial service where the public is welcome to attend at the True Memorial Baptist Church, 21 Ten Rod Road, Rochester, NH at 11 a.m. on March 14. If enough time is left, we hope that some will step forward to speak of her. If you wish, stories in written format to be left with family members would also be appreciated so that her wonderful memories live on. After the service, her church will be putting on a light luncheon and we ask that you please join us. Her burial services will be done privately at a later date.