Yes, I’m so sorry to report our beloved Francine has passed away at 101, after a brief illness.
What a gal. What a life.
Born in Revelstoke, British Columbia in 1922, Francine attended nine different schools, thanks to her father’s job which took the family all over the province. She often talked of those school days. One of her most popular renditions included being sent at age seven to matron’s room to retrieve an item. The woman pulled an appalling trick on poor Mom. Aware of the little girl’s deep seated fear of snakes, the nasty matron dressed the room with as many snake photos as she could find. Another was the time Francine escaped boarding school by hopping into a hamper destined for the off site laundry. And a third fave was when our dear mother rounded up her pals and held a solemn funeral for a bird, before burying it smack in the centre of the school’s grass tennis court.
After a brief sojourn at nursing, Francine got engaged to our father Geoff who was in Med school, some 3000 miles away. Eager to marry him, she agreed to a wedding there. Unfortunately, her parents didn’t have the money to go with her and they insisted the marriage be formalized within hours of her arrival. However, we have no visual proof it actually took place as the best man forgot to bring his camera.
I’m the youngest of their three children and the day I entered grade one, Francine enrolled in full time courses in the Fine Arts Department at the University of British Columbia. After getting her BA and Masters (“remember to tell ’em it was with Honors, Kel”), she taught there for eight years before opening her iconic Asian antique shop. I joined her there seven years later and the rest is history …
I am so grateful she got to hold a copy of my coming-of-age memoir Never, Never, Hardly Ever.
A very special thing happened just hours before Francine passed.
Claire, Mom’s new friend, was hovering in her wheelchair out in the hall.
“How’s your Mom, Kelly ?”
I answered honestly. “I’m sorry to report she’s fading.”
Claire nodded and asked, “Could I see her to say goodbye?”
Of course.
Claire immediately read the room.
She spoke quietly and thanked Francine for being such a refreshing spark. “I am so happy we met. I do like a quick mind and yours is one of the best.”
I’d been puzzling over what to do with Francine’s copy of Never, Never, Hardly Ever. Inscribed with a deeply personal, heartfelt note from me, it didn’t feel right donating it to goodwill. But if not there, where? As the author, I have several copies, everyone in my family has at least one and so do my dearest pals.
Everything changed the minute we learned Claire owned and operated a high end Italian shoe store in London for many years. She was Francine’s kindred spirit. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect match for that special book.
Our beloved Francine has passed away at 101.
And so, we say goodbye to our remarkable Francine.
I can’t quite believe she’s no longer here.
However, another friend of Francine’s, a woman well in her 90’s, sent me such a comforting email. One sentence stood out in particular.
“I know you will miss her but she had a good life.”
Yes. Our Francine most certainly did.
And she was ready to move on to her next adventure. It was time.
I’ll close with the words I know Francine would want me to share.
32 Responses
Simply ❤️
Thank you Wend
I’m sitting here holding back tears despite never having met your mom. What a spark, what a fire. Thank you for sharing her gorgeousness all these years; I’m so very glad she got to see your book. My mother is 84 and always complaining about how it’s likely close to the end so don’t bother (with the car, with fixing her earring, with getting her on a smartphone, and so on) but just recently I told her, “Mom, there’s this excellent, kicky woman in Canada who is 101 and she still does ALL THE THINGS, so get your shit together.” Through you, your mother has taught us all a thing or two. Sending heartfelt condolences. Please know she’ll live on in every person who has read stories of all your joyous escapades.
“Mom, there’s this excellent, kicky woman in Canada who is 101 and she still does ALL THE THINGS, so get your shit together.”
I cannot love this more. Thank you for sharing,Jen.
Kelly, Sending you hugs. Thank you for sharing your stories about Francine here and in your book, which I’m so happy you were able to share with her. I am grateful for all the joy you both brought to my life. Wishing you comfort, and sending love.
Thank you so very much, Donna for the lovely comment, the hugs and the love.
Kelly, that was so beautifully written, your dear Mum would be so proud.
Sending my deepest sympathy to you and all the family. I am so grateful that I was able to meet the wonderful Francine, and to know even more about her remarkable life through your delightful stories.
She will live on in your hearts,and never be forgotten.
I am so glad you got to meet her too, Jane. And that you got to see her in action. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Hugs Kelly. I’m so deeply sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May you be comforted in your grief. Such a big loss. Sending love. xx
Beautiful post. xx
Thank you, Suzanne. I so appreciate the hugs. It’s a huge loss but I’m comforted that she gets to live on through the incredible memories she left behind.
‘’SEEK OUT ADVENTURE, NEVER BE AFRAID OF COLOUR, AND CHAT TO EVERY PERSON YOU MEET.”
What a beautiful parting gift to remember the late , truly great, Francine.
I hope my Mom gets to meet her in heaven.
Aw, thank you. I do hope they get to meet up, too. May they whirl about, spreading joy and creativity.
Dear Kelly, what a wonderful daughter you have been. She must be so terribly proud of you. You did it! Got her book out and in her hands before she had to go. Now is your time to take care of your sweet self. My heart is with you.
Thank you so very much, Kim. I’m so, so happy she got to hold the book and soak up the stories.
I’m sorry. I’m tearing up at the loss of such an amazing woman.
What timing she had, that she made sure she could celebrate your memoir fully!
Aw, thanks, Katy. She was quite the gal. And yes, her timing was spot on. Right to the very end.
Dear Kelly,
WHAT A LIFE, WHAT A LOVE, WHAT A LEGACY!
And what a gift you have been to her, loving her as fully as you have and sharing her with all of us . Be well, my friend.❤️
Thank you so much, Susan. I know she’d love: WHAT A LIFE, WHAT A LOVE, WHAT A LEGACY! It’s perfect.
Dearest Kelly, once again you have honored your singularly magnificent mom with this beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing her with us through your blog and your book. Truly a life fully, brightly and thoughtfully well lived. ❤️
What a lovely comment, Mo. Thank you. It’s everything.
Never, never, hardly ever will there be another Frankie. God’s comfort in her passing. Love, hugs, and thanks be to God her story will reverberate forever in your heartwarming book. Again, hugs an dlove.
Thank you so very much, Allia. And thank you for your lovely e-card. While I will miss her terribly, it was time. She was ready for her next adventure.
Never, never, hardly ever will there be another Frankie. God’s comfort in her passing. Love, hugs,
What an amazing life she lived. She was in inspiration to all with that amazing life. My condolences. ❤️
Thank you so very much. Yes, she was quite a gal. She will be dearly missed but she was ready. It was her time.
Condolences. Thank you for sharing your mom with us.
Thank you so much, Kathy.
So sorry to hear this news Kelly. She was one amazing person and has left an amazing legacy behind her . You take care of yourself a holiday downunder might be good for you ….. always a place to stay if you would like a break! Love always from down .
Aw, thank you so very much, Margaret for the kind words and the thoughtful offer. They mean the world to me.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your stories of her will live on.
Thank you so much. And yes, the stories will live on.