By Chelsea Royer
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost
Mary Fran Lewis chose the road less traveled, but travel itself has become her life. She has visited about forty different countries, speaks three languages, and is familiar with multiple cultures. Despite her wanderlust, jungle explorations and treks through exotic territories, Mary Fran chooses to live in Montesano with her blueberry bushes and dahlias, happy to call the small town home.
Mary Fran’s life began in Montesano, but she spent most of her childhood in Hawaii before traipsing off to earn two bachelor’s degrees as well as her master’s degree. She utilized her music degrees by working in churches, teaching in schools, and even translating music into braille at a school for the blind in Colorado.
After working for some years in the states, Mary Fran decided she wanted a change. She attended a job fair with openings for teaching positions overseas. Weighing her options, Mary Fran settled on Bangkok, Thailand. “I took the job and it was absolutely incredible and fabulous,” says Mary Fran. “I stayed there 12 years. Before getting the job, however, I had to pass the Kingdom’s Test in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Thai.” With private tutoring, Mary Fran passed her test and fell in love with the culture. “The culture is what it’s about for me. The people and culture hooked me.”
Not one to be complacent, Mary Fran decided to tackle the French language and continue her travels, making frequent visits to Nepal and many backpacking trips around Thailand.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned in all my travels, is to travel lightly and carry an open heart,” reflects Mary Fran. “To be curious and compassionate toward your fellow humans regardless of culture or color.” Despite traveling by herself, Mary Fran never felt threatened in her adventures. She insists confidence is key to safety and as a result, met many fascinating and warm people along the way.
As to how she ended up back in Montesano, Mary Fran jokingly blames her parents. “My folks traveled all over the United States looking for a place to retire. Ultimately, they looked everywhere and decided there was just no place like Montesano.” From Thailand, Mary Fran visited her mom until one visit when she was unable to return. A health related incident prevented her from flying back to Thailand and so she settled in Montesano, taking on a teaching job at Montesano High School.
Mary Fran continued teaching music, choir, English as a second language as well as French, all the while taking care of her aging mom. Mary Fran taught in Montesano for 10 years before retiring in 2013. Her exit was memorable. “After my last concert, I turned to thank the board members and the school. When I was done, I thought that was the end of the performance. But I was then escorted to a seat while Mrs. Hornback gathered alumni from the women’s ensemble I’d led. They sang a medley of pieces that they said illustrated the things they’d learned from me. I choke up every time I tell the story. The real deal with being a teacher is the effect you have on young lives,” reflects Mary Fran.
Mary Fran’s mother passed away not long after her retirement. Mary Fran moved into her mother’s home. Her mother’s memory remains dear to her heart every day while tending to her gardens or watching the birds in their feeders outside. “There is no place anymore beautiful than here, spring through fall,” says Mary Fran, who loves her community and remains active in the Montesano Methodist Church. “I’m now playing the organ at church and want to find the right spot to make a difference in people’s lives.”
As someone who likes to remain active, retirement has had its challenges for Mary Fran. But she continues to explore the world, contribute to her town, and enjoy all the simple pleasures of her own backyard in a balance many struggle to find.
