WELLS — Frances M. Brethauer, 69, of Post Road, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 7, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Biddeford on June 9, 1945, the daughter of Henry and Jeannette (Townsend) Dumas and graduated Thornton Academy.

Fran had a deep love for the Lord, ministering throughout and living her life according to Phil. 1:21. She dedicated her life to serving the Lord and caring for her family and anyone who would benefit from her kindness. She made many dear, lifelong friends in the Women’s Aglow International Christian Ministry. Frances had always served the Lord, even taking a missionary trip to Haiti.

She loved going out in Casco Bay on her sister’s boat any time she could and also going for rides to capture the beauty that New England holds, especially the snow fall.

Frances was a special daughter, wife, mom, gram, mimi, sister, aunt and friend to all who were blessed to have known her.

After the death of her father, Henry Dumas, she took over the reins at his antiques shop, Henry’s Attic in Wells, where she enjoyed the people she met.

She and her husband, Larry wintered in Florida for many years, hosting many family vacations and times at the beach. Throughout her illness she remained the loving, warm and gentle woman everyone loved; with her smile continuously lighting up the room.

She is predeceased by: her father, Henry; a granddaughter, Natalie Rose; and two brothers, Larry Paul and Jack Dumas.

She is survived by: her husband of 52 years, Larry Brethauer; her mother, Jeannette Dumas, of Wells; three daughters, Wendy Fenderson of Alfred, Christine Brethauer of Sanford, and Jessica Litvinchyk and her husband Allan, Jr., of Arundel; a son, Jason Brethauer of Alfred; two sisters, Phyllis Gosselin and her husband Norman, and Darlene Trefry and husband Al, all of Arundel; her 10 grandchildren, Christian Fenderson, Angela Howes, Samantha Fenderson, Alivia Fenderson, Melissa Estes, Brittany Mahoney, Zachery and Haley Litvinchyk, Abel and Ashton Brethauer; five great-grandchildren, Gavyn Fernald, Cameron Fenderson, Kaleigh Fenderson, Caleb Bird and Summer Charron; and many other family members.

A Letter to Fran,

You were my gift from God; my refuge and my companion. You were the closest person to me in the entire world, and knew me the better of anyone. You were the one I confided in, the one who advised and encouraged me. I thank you for making that decision to love me and make your life with me. Your voice and touch comforted me. You were my partner, building me up and helping me. You prayed for me and upheld me in hard places. You were dutiful and faithful, being all you could be to me and our family. You planned and fixed meals, played nurse, settled disputes, comforted, counseled, clothed and kept us warm. You bought bargains, stretched dollars, trained up the children as teacher and tutor, instilled Godly values and good habits. You tended nursery, sewed rips, were maid, cook and gardener; maintained and managed and decorated our home; scheduled childrens’ activities, chauffeured and chaperoned; were a gracious entertainer and hostess, caring neighbor and good friend; a volunteer and worker for Jesus, putting others first and pointing them to the truth. I prayed God would make me all I could be to you and you would respect and honor me, that I would be worthy and have value in your sight. But most of all, I prayed that you would love me unconditional, just the way I am. I love you Fran with all my heart. Love, Larry

A memorial celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Milton Assembly of God Church, 370 White Mountain Highway, Milton, N.H., followed by a time of fellowship.

Donations in her memory may be sent to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital Development Office, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.

Arrangements are in the care of the Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick. Condolences may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhomeme.com.

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