Frances Catherine Benson

Frances died peacefully at the age of 89 in Peterborough Hospice on August 21, following an extensive stroke. Deeply missed by her husband Tim, daughters Catherine Boyts, Christine Rossi (Paul), Jennifer Benson (Mike Ali), grandchildren Alexander (Courtney) and Katrina Rossi, Nicholas Boyts, Claire Martens (Drew), Megan and Rachel Ali, and great grandchildren London Rossi and Jack Greer.

Fran was born in Calgary on May 23, 1932 to Scottish parents Mary W. S. Scott and Robert W. Scrimgeour. She grew up with her siblings Margaret Baker (predeceased) and Jack Scrimgeour. Her mother died of cancer when Fran was 11. Fran attended Crescent Heights High School. Memories of visiting her mother in hospital at the age of 8, and admiring the nurses in their "starched bibs and aprons" led to Fran becoming a proud graduate of the Class of ‘54 of Calgary General Hospital. She enjoyed working in the “preemie” nursery.

Tim came to visit the Scrimgeour’s while on a Mond Nickel fellowship and was invited to return for Christmas. Fran saved her "pennies" and decided to visit her family in the U.K. Tim met her at the dock in Liverpool. They were married in Calgary in 1956, and remained side by side for 65 years. They began married life in Peterborough, where Tim worked at CGE, and Fran stayed home to care for their daughters.

Described as a "small dynamo" in her nursing yearbook, Fran continued to lead a vibrant life, centered around her family and her commitment to the Peterborough community. When the girls were young, Fran found time to study French, nutrition, needlework and dressmaking, and acted as the “neighbourhood nurse". Later, she became involved with the YWCA: volunteering at Y's Buys, serving on committees, and becoming a Board member. Fran also volunteered at PRHC in various areas, including Emerg, and the information desk as well as coordinating the knitting volunteers. She became President of the Auxiliary. She then served on the Provincial Auxiliary Association receiving a life membership in 1989. Her service to PRHC spanned 35 years!

Fran enjoyed an active social life. She enjoyed book club and arthritis aquasizers. Tim and Fran enjoyed Community Concerts, where Fran also served on the Board. Over the years they travelled extensively, across Canada, through Europe, to Russia, and on river cruises, where they enjoyed making new friends.

Fran loved taking in the view of the Otonabee River from her favourite bench, listening to classical music (without "screeching" violins), enjoying a well written book, and most of all, Tim. We will miss the Scottish shortbread she lovingly made every Christmas, her famous facial expressions, and her classic sense of style.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of Princess Gardens who Fran often referred to as family, and who took especially good care of Tim and Fran during Covid. Deepest thanks to all the staff at Peterborough Hospice who were so gentle and compassionate to us all in Fran's final days. Thanks also to Dr Richard and his staff who cared for Fran over many years.

The family will receive friends at the Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough on Sunday August 29 from 2:00-3:30 in half hour segments. Those who wish to attend must register at https://signup.com/go/UOmoOnA.

Attendees must wear a mask and socially distance. A memorial Meeting at Wooler Friends Meeting House after the manner of Friends (Quakers) will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Peterborough or Medecins Sans Frontieres. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com