Florence R. French

Florence R. French, age 102 of Oakwood, ND, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.

Florence Osowski was born June 28, 1923 in Minto, ND, the daughter of the late Frank and Helen Osowski. She attended school in Minto and later attended Acton School. Following her education she worked at the Deaconess Hospital as a nurse aide. She was united in marriage to Charles French on September 24, 1946 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. The couple made their home near Oakwood where they farmed and raised their children. Charles passed away on November 24, 2000, and she continued to make her home on the farm until the time of her passing.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Oakwood where she also was part of the choir, altar society, cleaning committee and taught religious education. She took pride in her large abundant garden and was a skilled seamstress and excellent baker.

Florence is survived by her children: Mary Eng, Blaine, MN, Gregory French, Grafton, ND, Charlotte Foley, Hazel Green, AL, and Peter French, Oakwood, ND; grandchildren: Melanie Eng, Melissa Chimento, Heather Corkery, Justin French, Karissa Brossart and Frank Foley Jr.; great grandchildren: William, Katie, Joseph, Lilli, Logan, Alanna, Bohdi, Adley, Bronx, Miles and Weston; great-great granddaughter Laikyn; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles; son Michael; son-in-laws John Eng and Frank Foley; and siblings: Ambrose, Hiladore, Hilary, Leo, Martha, Dorothy, Mary Ann and Lillian.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Oakwood, ND.