Anne French

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we share the news of Evelyn Anne French’s (nee Valentine) passing on Saturday September 5th 2026. With family by her side and moral support from numerous friends, our dear Anne passed peacefully at South Health Campus following a brief illness.

Anne is survived by her husband Bas, children Dan (Linda), Karen (Doug) Terry (Inger) Ursula (John) grandchildren Chanell (Jordan), Josh, Elijah, Tessa, Josie, Thomas, Emma, Michael, Athan, Tasia, Christos and great grandson’s Oliver and Carter.

The youngest daughter of Evelyn (LaMarche) and John Cuthbert (Bert) Valentine’s four children (Nora, Ted, Doug), Anne grew up in Calgary attending St. Mary’s for high school and graduating from Holy Cross Hospital with a degree in nursing.

Prior to graduating Anne spent a year at UBC where she was introduced by Ted and Doug to one of their fraternity brothers, Bas French. Explicit instructions were given to “take care of their little sister”. For 70+ years Bas has held up to that promise. Married in 1958, they have been a truly remarkable couple, cultivating a tapestry of life experiences with family and friends both at home and abroad.

Anne’s strong faith, commitment to family and concern for others enabled her to not only be an exceptional mother but a dedicated servant, providing numerous hours to those in need by volunteering her time to the Junior League, Children’s Hospital Aids Society (CHAS), St. Vincent de Paul and the Catholic church in a small pueblo in Puerto Aventuris, Mexico. Spruce Meadows was her favorite community effort, coordinating the Pegasus Club’s tournament volunteer teams for 45 years.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the wonderful team at South Health Campus especially Dr. Matt and our angels of palliative care, Dr. Melody and Dr. Adele, for their compassionate efforts to make Mom’s final days so comfortable. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Carol Mills for her dedication, kind care and companionship for Mom over the years.

Funeral service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on September 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM with a celebration of life reception to follow in The Den at Foxtrot restaurant at Spruce Meadows.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to True North Missions Society, a 3rd world initiative that meant a great deal to Anne.