Maureen Higgins Lauterbach
I met Fran several years ago while visiting my dad on Harsens Island. Dad, Jeanne, Fran, and I all went out to lunch at that lovely old hotel / restaurant across from the river. I remember it had an indoor pool, but it has since closed. Fran was lovely and we seemed to have an instant connection. She was very interested that I lived in Alaska, and kept up with my travels. During lunch Dad, being the staunch Republican, said something negative about President Obama. "Stop," I said. "I like Obama."
Fran turned to me and said, "You like Obama, Maureen? I do too." Then she went on to say, "But you know who I'd really like to see as president?"
"Who?" I questioned her, curious.
"Hillary Clinton," she said.
I often thought about that conversation during this past year. I had been looking forward to calling Fran the day after the election so I could celebrate, albeit verbally, that she had lived to see the first woman elected as president. Sadly, that did not happen.
I will miss her. She was an inspiration. Maureen Higgins Lauterbach