Francette Didier
Born Mary Jane Keilocker on December 18, 1936, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fran was the daughter of Francis Keilocker and Mary Nelis. At 17, she entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and chose the name Francette to honor both her father and St. Francis of Assisi. Her early life was spent in Swissvale, a Pittsburgh suburb, and her journey took her to many places over the years, including Greensburg, Gainesville, San Francisco, Forest Hills, Chatham, Aloha, Walnut Creek, and finally Grand Junction, which became her beloved home.
Fran's life was one of profound purpose, marked by an unwavering dedication to education and spiritual growth. She earned a bachelor's degree from Seton Hill College, a master's degree in education from Duquesne University, and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Florida. Over her distinguished career, she taught every level of education—from kindergarten to doctoral programs—and was a faculty member in the groundbreaking Leadership Program for school principals and superintendents at the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit institution. Fran also served as a consultant to schools across the country, including a Hebrew Judaic school led by one of her former students.
After 24 years as a Sister of Charity, Fran chose to continue her vocation as a lay educator and consultant. In a testament to her lifelong curiosity and commitment to her students, she took a sabbatical from academia to work in business, joining Chase Econometrics, a subsidiary of Chase Manhattan Bank, as a regional administrator. It was through this work that she met Paul Didier, a vice president of Chase Manhattan Bank. Their shared love of birding sparked a lifelong bond, and they were married on April 12, 1982, in the chapel of St. John's University in New York. Their marriage was officiated by a dear birding friend of Paul's—an Irish priest and the seventh son of a seventh son, a figure steeped in Celtic tradition.
Fran embraced Paul's family as her own. Though she had no children of her own, she was a loving and cherished presence in the lives of Paul's three children—Mark Didier, the late Lisa Didier Lyne, and Aimée Didier—and his two granddaughters, Calysta and Cassidy Didier. She was the eldest of four sisters and is survived by Sally Davies of Florida and Rita (Edward) Osterman of Michigan.
Fran's life was rich with passion and purpose beyond her professional achievements. She delighted in birding, square dancing, and playing pinochle, and she had a deep love for spiritual reading and contemplation. She devoted much of her volunteer work to exploring the writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and helping others grow in their spiritual lives. With Paul, she organized the parish library at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Grand Junction and volunteered with Grand Valley Peace and Justice. Together, they also founded a poetry group that met for 17 years.
An avid traveler and lifelong learner, Fran's adventures with Paul took them across Colorado and beyond, leading birding trips and exploring the wild coasts of Scotland and the remote Orkney Islands. She touched countless lives through her kindness, intelligence, generosity, and radiant cheerfulness—qualities that defined her and endeared her to all who knew her.
Fran is survived by her devoted husband, Paul, their children and grandchildren, her sisters Sally and Rita, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Helen, and her daughter Lisa.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on October 24, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction. Her ashes will be inurned in the church's columbarium following the service, with a reception to follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran's memory may be made to Catholic Outreach (P.O. Box 1984, Grand Junction, CO 81502) or Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (790 26 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506).
Fran's life was guided by love and faith, and her legacy continues in the countless lives she touched. As Scripture reminds us, "The charity of Christ urges us" (2 Corinthians 5:14)—a truth she lived every day.