Frances T. Rockwell

Frances “Fran” T. Rockwell, 72, of Bellingham, WA, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2026, following a year- long battle with cancer.

She was born in Bellingham, WA to Jacob “Jake” and Wypkjen “Winnie” Lautenbach, who immigrated to Whatcom County with their family from Friesland, Netherlands in 1947 to start a new life.

Fran grew up as a tough farm girl, the youngest child with five older brothers. Fran had many close friends and family and formed a strong bond with her cousin Geppie after her mother passed. She was a proud graduate of Lynden Christian High School and kept in close contact with her classmates. She went on to dedicate over 30 years of her life working for Peace Health. Fran was a woman of deep faith and a vibrant member of both Immanuel Bible and Cornwall Churches, where she served as a greeter and found wonderful communities. An avid gardener and outdoor enthusiast, she found great joy in the beauty of her manicured flower beds and delighted in relaxing outside with a morning coffee break whenever the weather was nice. She equally enjoyed being by the fireplace watching the snow fall on a cold winter day. She was known for her active spirit and loved riding her electric bike, alone and with friends.

In 1974 Fran married the love of her life, Paul Rockwell, sharing 48 beautiful years until his passing in 2023. Together, Paul and Fran had a fierce passion for family and adoption, providing a deeply loving and caring home for their three children, who were her greatest pride. After retirement, she spent her days traveling, camping, socializing with her many friends and family, and building individual, lifelong impacts on each of her beloved grandchildren.

Fran will be missed greatly and is preceded in death by her husband Paul, her parents Jake and Winnie, five brothers Jake, Sy, Ralph, Ted, and Gordy, and sister Fokje. She is survived by her daughter Amy Felton (Matt) and grandchildren Adalyn, Matthew and Amelia, son Tim and grandchildren Eliana and Theodore, and son Brian (Kelly) and grandchild Mckenna. She is also survived by her cousin Geppie Feenstra and many close friends.

An open house Memorial reception will be held at Squalicum Boathouse, located at 2600 N Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225 , on November 22nd from 2:00-4:00pm. Donations can be made in her honor to Skookum Kids www.skookumkids.org.