Frances Kathryn (New) Haddan, wife of John Haddan, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2008, at Deaconess Hospice Center.
She was born in Baltimore, Md., on June 13, 1925, to the late Ralston New and Frances Rodemann New.
Frances is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Turner Haddan of Evansville; son, Jack Haddan, and his children, Kate Haddan Arthur, Ginny Haddan, Marli Haddan, and his wife, Amy Liston, of Bloomington, Ind.; son, Jim and his wife, Julie Geier Haddan, and their children, Max, Meredith and Lauren Haddan, of Evansville; and brother, John New of Hot Springs Village, Ark.
Frances graduated from Bosse High School in 1945 and from Evansville College in 1949. As a senior at Evansville College, she was crowned May Queen. Frances earned a degree in education, licensed kindergarten through eighth grades, and was a member of the Association for Childhood Education and Alpha Omicron Pi. She was selected to be an Evansville representative in "Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges."
Frances married John Haddan on June 6, 1948, at First Presbyterian Church in Evansville. After teaching full time at Culver School for five years, she became a stay-at-home mother for her two sons, Jack and Jim. Frances was a member of the Highland PTA and was involved in her sons' school events and activities. As her children grew older, Frances resumed teaching part time and as a substitute at several elementary schools. To relax, she loved knitting and reading.
Frances was known as "Grannie Frannie" not only to her six grandchildren but to extended family members, as well as friends and neighbors. She often invited them over for meals or to swim at the former Old State Golf Club or at Oak Meadow. Grannie Frannie also loved animals and enjoyed pets, including her "granddog and grandcats."
Frances was fun and outgoing and had many friends. Through her married life, she enjoyed women's and couples' bridge clubs, Cotillion dance club, Civic Theatre and other social events. Frances and John loved to travel, visiting every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled to Canada, Mexico and Europe. During their retirement years, Frances and John enjoyed winters in Siesta Key, Florida.
