Dr. M. Frances Graham

Dr. M. Frances “Fran” Graham, 94, of McCook Lake, South Dakota, passed away January 1st, 2025. She fought the good fight until the very end of her life.

She was born Marie Frances Gibson on February 11, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Anna (Holm) and James Gibson. Fran quickly adopted the name that matched her vibrant personality by using her middle name abbreviated as “Fran”. She was the middle child of three siblings, sandwiched between her older brother, Kenneth, and younger sister, Sonia. 

Fran attended primary school in Sioux City IA, and graduated from Central High school in Sioux City, IA in 1947. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota where she studied orthopedic nursing. Fran began her professional journey in nursing, teaching orthopedic nursing at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her aging parents drew her back to Sioux City where she was offered an opportunity to write the RN curriculum for the nursing program at Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), which was approved by the Iowa Board of nursing. After her tenure at WITCC Fran decided to leave the medical field to become an educator and teacher. 

In addition to being a 4th grade teacher, she assumed a leadership role as the Dean of Women at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City Iowa while also working on her Doctorate at the University of South Dakota. 

Later in life she transitioned to elementary school counseling, where she found her calling in shaping young minds. She ended her career as a school counselor, helping children find their way to becoming adults and guide them in life after high school. 

It was during her 4th grade teaching years that she met the love of her life, Hewitt Knox Graham. They met through the matchmaking efforts of two of her students, Randy and his sister Lisa Graham, who knew that “Uncle Hewy” would be perfect for Ms. Gibson. After a fun dating life, Fran and Hewitt were united in marriage on August 6, 1977, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Their love story, filled with adventure and mutual respect, led them on extensive travels across the globe. Together, they explored Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Scotland, Ireland, England, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, and France. Fran cherished these experiences and loved sharing stories from their travels, which became the highlight of their annual Christmas cards, a tradition that Fran kept alive until her death.

In addition to her accomplishments in health and education, in the last decade of her life Fran was an entrepreneur and instrumental in preserving her husband’s family aviation legacy by saving Graham Airport from closure in 2014. When the future of the airport was uncertain, Fran’s determination, business acumen, and advocacy ensured its continuation, safeguarding a vital piece of local history and aviation heritage. Her efforts kept Graham Airport operational for many years and gave her great purpose in knowing that she was honoring Hewitt’s lifelong passion for aviation and Hewitt’s wishes of ensuring the family airfield would be around for future generations of aviators as she passed the baton. 

Fran’s life was marked by her passion for education, travel, faith, and her love for animals, especially her cherished kitties Lucy and Leo. A devout member of Morningside Presbyterian Church and later Faith United Presbyterian Church, she cherished the fellowship it brought and the friendships she made.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hewitt; her parents, Anna and James Gibson; and her siblings, Ken and Sonia. Fran is survived by her and Hewitt’s cherished nieces and nephews. Fran leaves behind a legacy of resilience, intelligence, and warmth. She was a role model to all who knew her, embodying the qualities of a strong and passionate woman who believed in the power of education and faith.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM with a “Fran” style luncheon immediately following at Faith United Presbyterian Church (4327 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, Iowa, 51106).

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the: Dr. M. Frances Graham Memorial, P.O. Box 158, North Sioux City, SD 57049 (Fran identified a CNA aid that is enrolled in nursing school that helped her in end-of-life care that she intends to assist in a nursing program). 

At the bequest of Dr. Graham, we will launch the formation of the Graham Family Foundation to take over the development of Graham Airpark to allow the airport to thrive and grow.

Fran’s life was a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and an adventurous spirit. Her memory will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In Grateful Tribute to Dr. M. Frances Graham