October 28, 1927 ~ February 11, 2017
With family be her side, Fran passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, February 11, 2017.
Fran was born October 28, 1927 to Ruby and Arthur Thompson in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario.
Left to cherish her memory are her sister Evelyn Ruth Gordon-Hicks, stepdaughter Lindy Kalynchuk (Calum), granddaughters Stephanie Godard (Wellesley), Tenisha Kaminawaish, grandson Quinten Sanders, her aunty Barbara and uncle Thomas Gustafson, niece Peggy-Anne Gordon, nephew Arthur Gordon and countless cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents Ruby and Art Thompson, stepson Freddie Kalynchuk and special friend Alex Kalynchuk.
Fran lived a full, adventurous and exciting life, growing up in Jellicoe, Ontario, moving on to Flin Flon, Swan River and Winnipeg, and finally settling in St. Georges, Manitoba. During her life, she acquired a Home Nursing certificate, a pilot’s license, worked with a veterinarian, jumped out of airplanes, owned a successful accounting business and campaigned hard for the NDP. She was also the Reeve of the L.G.D. of Alexander for the periods of 1977-1980 and 1983-1986. She enjoyed gardening, camping, friends, and the “odd” cold OV.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Pine Falls United Church, 5 Walnut St., Pine Falls at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200-6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0K6.
Offer Condolence for the family of Alice “Fran” Frances Thompson
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Annick and Brian
I was so sorry to hear of my dear friend, mentor’s passing. Fran you have lived life to the fullest, did it your way and shared your knowledge and wisdom wth others. I am so grateful to being part of your life. Fran was such a giving, generous soul. You are now able to finally rest and get caught up on all your reading.
Marguerita Ogilvie
My condolences to the family, and I offer you my prayers. Fran and I go back a long ways. I first met her in Renwer (near Swan River) when she came Low Bush Cranberry and Moss Berry picking on our farm on the hill. I was just a little kid then, sometimes in the 50’s. I did not see her again, for many years and then ran into her again, in Lac du Bonnet, working for the NDP party in the late 60’s and 70’s. She was very active in politics, as well as in the Canadian Agriculture Movement in the late 70’s. She was a great person, I will miss her so much.
Nicole Rusk
I would like to give my condolences to you Tenisha, and your mom and Stephanie.
Elaine Greaves
My dear cousin Fran, you are so very loved. Our hearts are broken. Words can not really express the loss we all feel and yet we do try. For Fran`s immediate family, I am so very sorry. Your loss is even greater than ours. She was your rock and mentor and will be so missed by us all.
Susan & Christine Greaves, & Jennifer Love
Our family has wonderful special memories of Fran. We will always remember her with very fond memories!
Janice Dowling & David McNicoll
Our sincere condolences to Fran’s family and friends who cherish this remarkable woman.
We first paddled into Fran and Alex’s life in 1983 on a canoe trip from Saskatoon to Ottawa. Without a moment’s hesitation they took in these two stragglers. It’s hard to accept that we have lost both these precious souls in such a short time.
A favourite memory of Fran is the time in 2012 when my husband pulled a fast one on her. We had driven out from Ottawa to visit Fran and Alex on our way to Saskatoon. When we saw Fran, she was seated in a chair, looking a bit frail and weak. David, who has little time for small talk, went straight to the point: “I hear that Provincial Highway 11 will be renamed the Victor Toews Highway.” Well, Fran shot like a rocket out of her chair, her face livid with indignation. But just as quickly, she realized that David was pulling her leg. We all had a good laugh.