Frances J Harden

Mrs. Frances Jean (Bell) Harden made her transition to heaven on July 18, 2026. Frances was born on December 21, 1933, in Chicago, IL, to Athonia and Bernice (Wilson) Bell. The family relocated to South Bend, Indiana, in April 1934, Bernice's hometown, where Frances was a lifelong resident. Frances graduated from John Adams High School in 1952, the first of four generations.

In October 1959, Frances married Henry Harden in South Bend, Indiana, and welcomed five children: Dewain “Michael” Wright, Deborah, Doreatha, Henry, and Joseph Harden. Frances devoted 27 years to NISH, where she served children with special needs before retiring in 1994.

In her free time over the years, Frances enjoyed traveling with friends, baking, crocheting, coloring, and playing bingo. She was an avid Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Chicago Bears fan and rarely missed her favorite programs on the Game Show Network, HGTV, Law & Order SVU, and more. She also had a lifelong appreciation for Pontiac automobiles, owning several Grand Ams and Grand Prix models over the years. Her Miner St. home was a place where everyone felt welcome, and she found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved.

Frances leaves to cherish her three living children: Dewain “Michael” (Regina) Wright, Deborah Mobley, and Joseph Harden, along with her special nieces/daughters Tracey Bass and Crystal Wilson.  She leaves a long legacy of 13 grandchildren: Derrick (Demicka) Perry, Larry Perry, LaShanda Bates, Tewanna Perry, DayShawn Brown, Tyrone Wright, Travis Wright, Tamyra Wright, Curtis Perry, Lena Lee, Henry A. (Ali) Harden Jr., Steven Harden, and Kenneth Harden.

Her legacy continues through 25 great-grandchildren: Zontrae, RaeKwon, Derrick (Jesse), LaNay, Ty'Jhon, TyShawn, LaCole, Zion, De'Kaiaa, Zaviaon, D'Ellise, Ta'Nia, Majesta, Kylani, Antoine, Jazmine, Demetrius, Aaliya, Abraham, Amara, Ayden, Cariss, Success, Camayah, and Cairo; four great-great-granddaughters: Sarai, Jayunna, Gabrielle, and Zorah; and a host of great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, including Kevin, Jasmine, Dareen, and D'Anndra.

Frances is preceded in death by her children, Doreatha Brown and Henry A. Harden; her husband, Henry; her father and mother, Athonia and Bernice Bell; her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Frank Bass; her beloved brother-in-law, Nathaniel Fields; her grandson, Curtis Perry; her son-in-law, Joe Mobley; and her great-nephew, Cameron Wilson, along with a host of great friends.

Frances will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her generous heart, her welcoming spirit, and the countless memories she created throughout her 92 years. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and legacy will live on in the many lives she touched. Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where memories may be shared.

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