Frauke (Fran) Ilse Heller

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto but for Frauke (Fran) Ilse Heller, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. Wow.....could she ever make some tasty and creative meals with leftovers from the day before. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

       She was the daughter of Ernst & Kathe Witthinrich. Raised in Klein Konigsforde (in the country where the family owned and ran a hotel), she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Frauke was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, she was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if she was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, she also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. She was raised with 3 siblings. She had one older (25 minutes) twin brother, Kay, and two younger sisters, Kaethe and Jutta. She and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years - especially with her twin brother because they lived in the same city and did alot together.

      Growing up, she was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. She was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, she was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. She took part in a number of activities as a child. She swam, played voelkerball, soccer, a kind of baseball game and went biking. In her spare time she liked to visit with her grandmother, Oma Bartels and twin cousins, Heiner and Peter in Stuttgart. One of her memorable achievements included a high level of swimming instruction.

      Frauke had a good disposition for the challenges of college. She always enjoyed reading, as she often read to her younger sister, Jutta, so all of those lengthy required reading assignments seemed to be less of a burden for her. In fact, she seemed to absorb and remember everything she read. Not all things came easily to Frauke (Fran), however, and she found success by being a diligent and accurate person who would dig into a project and work through until it reached its completion. She was very thorough and labored long and hard in order to reach her goals. She earned her 2nd year Cooking designation at a vocational school in Germany before immigrating to Canada. Her lifelong career was that of a "Cook".

     Mom and Kay immigrated to Canada in July 1957 just after their 20th birthday in June. They came first and stayed with family friends (Muellers). They worked hard and saved up their money with the intention of bringing over the rest of the family. Two years later, came Oma and Opa followed by Jutta and Kaethe.

Most people would say that Frauke (Fran) was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. She was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences with each and every one - always recognizing and respecting their individualism. Because of this, Frauke (Fran) best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, she kept. Childhood friends were Anneliese Poels and Helga Blume. Later in life, she became friends with Margaret, Brunhilda, Edith, Elona, Evelyn, Faye, Jean, Kathy, Ann, Laura.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Frauke (Fran). On August 8, 1960 she married Guenter Edmund Heller at home on Lewis St. of Chilliwack, BC and reception was held at their friend's home (Mueller's) on Broadway St.

 Frauke (Fran) was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Frauke (Fran) was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. She was blessed with two children, one son, Peter and one daughter, Doris. She was also blessed with one grandchild, Amber. Her family was everything to her, as anyone could attest.

      If you gave Frauke a deadline, she would meet it. At work, she was always on task. Without hesitation, she could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was Cook. She was employed for 16 years at Geordie's (previously known as Smitty's) in Chwk and also worked at restaurants such as White Spot, Best Western and Twin Peaks. Family owned Roddy's Restaurant in the 60's for 9 years also. She worked there for some of that time. Frauke (Fran) was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, she had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Frauke (Fran) liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced her choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, she preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were dancing, knitting, visiting, puzzles, going for drives and cooking. She was also content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself.

      While thorough and measured in her approach to things, Frauke (Fran) often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. She was like that with sports. In high school, Frauke (Fran) played track and field. Recreational sports included bowling and dancing. She also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, she was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were figure skating, soccer and hockey.

      Doing things to help others seemed to come naturally to Mom. She never set out to gain individual recognition, but the praise and accolades given her for her many and varied efforts throughout her life were well deserved. Some of her most prestigious awards included of course, "Best Mom Ever" by us kids, and other than that, the title of "Best Cinnamon Buns in Chilliwack".

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Frauke (Fran) had smooth sailing. Favorite vacations included just driving around in her van for weekend excursions wherever it took them. Also, Germany trips were always special. Her few Reno trips were always fondly spoken of as well as her trip to Las Vegas.

      Mom had a few beloved pets: a dog named Dudley, an apricot/white poodle and Hansy and Minnie, her ever fertile canaries that provided many babies much to the amazement of the petstore owners that had tried for years with little or no success. She had Dudley for approx 5 years and the canaries about the same. Her family was rounded out by her many budgies, other canaries and dogs, many cats, rabbits and guinea pig. Mom was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

      When Mom's retirement finally arrived in the early 1990's due to numerous foot surgeries, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. Her new life involved a move to Merritt for 4 years with her daughter, but then came back to Chilliwack. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing bingo once in awhile, going out for coffee with the girls every morning/afternoon. Even in retirement, Frauke (Fran) continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.

      Mom sadly passed away on July 8, 2010 at Chilliwack General Hospital. Mom was such a trooper fighting her disease of Emphysema for a good 4-5 years. She eventually succumbed to pneumonia as a complication in the end stages. She is survived by her children, Peter and Doris; her grandchild Amber; her twin brother, Kay and two sisters, Kaethe and Jutta; nieces, Susi and Karin; nephew, Jamie.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Mom was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Frauke (Fran) was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Mom wore her heart on her sleeve. You always knew where you stood with Mom. She will be greatly missed each and every day.

We love you!

* * * * * * * * * *

HELLER

FRAUKE (FRAN) ILSE

Frauke Ilse Heller passed away on Thursday, July 8th 2010 at the Chilliwack Hospital, at age 73 years. She was born a twin on June 15th 1937 in Kiel, Germany.

Fran is survived by her son Peter Heller, daughter Doris Heller (Dave Gillett), granddaughter Amber, 2 great-grandchildren, twin brother Kay Witthinrich (Marion Morrison), sisters Kaethe and Jutta, nieces Susi and Karin, and nephew Jamie.

She was predeceased by her father Ernst Witthinrich and mother Kathe Witthinrich (Bartels).

Fran immigrated to Canada in 1957 with her twin brother. They worked hard to save money and bring the rest of the family from Germany to Canada. Mom also loved the simple things in life, such as going for drives, traveling, playing games with family and friends, playing bingo, dancing, cooking for other people and going for coffee with friends. She will always be remembered as being generous, kind and caring. She opened her home and heart to others. She was like a mom to many but we were the real fortunate ones to have her as “Our Mom.”

She will be greatly missed each and every day.

Thanks to all who assisted in her care over the years. Special thanks to Dr. Bester + MJ in those final days.

Please join our family as we remember and celebrate her Life, by sharing your written memories at www.hendersonsfunerals.com

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Chilliwack, BC.