Frances Jean Lipp, 69

Frances Jean Lipp, 69, passed away on July 27, 2024. She was born in Hingham, on March 27, 1955, to Frank and Norma Lipp. Francie’s love of the Hi-Line and the family farm was a constant throughout her life. She graduated Hingham High in 1973 and earned a scholarship to MSU Bozeman to complete a degree in Music Education. Later in life she went on to earn her master’s in music, while raising three children. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Francie was a music teacher for over 40 years. She began on the Hi-Line and eventually made Kalispell her home for the majority of her life, teaching kindergarten through college for over 30 years in the Flathead Valley. Music was a huge part of her life, and she loved supporting local programs and sharing her joy with her family, friends and community. 

An effervescent and energized woman, Francie was determined to live her life to the fullest and was hardly ever found sitting still. As she spent the last 8 years fighting cancer, she leaned into her love of lake swimming, hiking and spending time with her grandchildren. "Cancer or not, I’m going swimming," is a motto that she carried through these hard times. She had a rich Catholic faith, was a church cantor for many years, and enjoyed singing in the choir at Risen Christ Church. She refused to allow the devastation of her diagnosis get the better of her. 

She is survived by her three children, Davis, Andrew and Katie; three grandchildren, Brody, Madeline and Abigail; siblings, Alan, Linda, Jerry, Mike and Joanne; and several nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded by her parents, Frank and Norma Lipp; and sister, Rose Marie.

A vigil will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, at Risen Christ Church, where people are welcome to come and share memories of Francie. Her funeral will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at Risen Christ, with a luncheon to follow. Francie will be buried with her hiking boots at 2 p.m. at Conrad Cemetery near her mom and dad. Flowers can be sent to Risen Christ Church located at 65 West Evergreen Dr., Evergreen, Montana 59901, before 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, or before the service the morning of Friday, Aug. 9. 

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.