Opal M. Watt Frank
Opal M. Watt Frank
STEAMBURG — Opal M. Watt Frank, 89, of North Loop Road, Steamburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, (Oct. 3, 2021) at home, following a brief illness, with her family at her side.
She was born March 9, 1932. in the town of Red House, (Quaker Bridge), the daughter of the late Beulah Watt.
Opal was a 1949 graduate of Randolph Central School. She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Hawk Clan. Prior to her retirement, she spent many years in management, hav-ing been the general manager of Seneca Bingo in Salamanca, general and operations manager of High Banks Campgrounds and general manager of the former Seneca Nation Bowling Alley.
Mrs. Frank was the first female appellate judge for the Seneca Nation Appellate Court, appointed in 1993. An avid athlete, she was a particularly wellknown local bowler, having been one of the few women to appear and win on Beat the Champ in the early 1970s.
She had many interests, including singing with the Chautauqua Shores, the local chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International and spending time outdoors, camping, and gardening. She also loved animals and was a keen birdwatcher. In additional to being a respected tribal elder, the Seneca Nation also lost a steady revenue stream, as Opal loved her video poker machine at the Seneca Allegany Casino.
She is survived by two daughters; Jeri Frank and husband Fred Koch, and Terri Frank of Steamburg; two sons: Steve Frank and wife, Nancy of Steamburg and Shawn Frank of Minneapolis, Minn. five grandchildren: Allen Burch, Jarid John, Dustin Frank, Rachael Frank and Kaitlyn Howard; 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gayle O’Brien of Vero Beach, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Larry Frank, whom she married on Dec. 11, 1952, in Lake Jackson, Texas, and who passed away on Jan. 3, 2017. She also lost a daughter, Jo Lynette Frank on May 7, 2011.
As per Opal’s wishes there will be no visitation observed. A celebration of life will be held in the spring and will be announced by the VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, Randolph. Burial/Inurnment will be held at the Hillside Haven Cemetery in Steamburg.
To leave a condolence, log onto www.vanrensselaerandsonfuneral home.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Seneca Nation Tribal Advocate Office – a Nation program that provides assistance to enrolled members of the Seneca Nation in emergency situations.