Garnett Camille Francis

Garnett passed away on June 21, 2025, after a prolonged health struggle. She is missed by her husband, Earl, her sons, Paxton and Jaron, her siblings, Opal and Gordon, and many other family members and friends.

Garnett grew up in Elbow, SK, the youngest of four children. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and worked as a teacher for many years in the Structured Success program with children that struggled with behavioural issues. Her students meant the world to her, and many of them stayed in contact with her into their adulthood. She did her Masters in Education, also at the University of Saskatchewan in 1992, her thesis focusing on ADHD in public elementary school children. She always intended to do a doctoral degree as well, but as it often does, life had other plans for Garnett. She went on to work for many years for the Saskatoon Board of Education, as Senior Autism Consultant at Autism Services of Saskatoon, and as a Behavioural Therapist with Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan. Her love of teaching and her passion for meeting each individual’s educational needs never waned, right up to her retirement in 2023.

Garnett had a lifelong love of reading. In the summertime, you’d often find her in the hammock with the dog, devouring the latest Maeve Binchy novel. She also harboured a secret desire to be a stand-up comedian, and much later in life than is typical, took an acting class at Persephone Theatre, thoroughly enjoying the role of a 55-year-old phone sex operator.

Both Garnett and Earl loved nothing more than soaking up the beauty of their luscious backyard. It was an incredible sight to see, overflowing with greenery and the charms of open, appreciated space. Family and friends would often be found unannounced in the yard, enjoying it for themselves, and such visits were always welcome.

A breast cancer survivor, the last years of Garnett’s life proved very challenging for her. Many health issues reared their heads, and she dealt with them valiantly, never losing hold of what was always most important to her — her family. After struggling with a variety of compounding illnesses, she passed away in hospital, with Paxton holding her hand, after having visited with her sister, her niece and her sons. She knew at the end, how loved she was. She will continue to be.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 11, 2026, at Sutherland Hall (1112 Central Ave, Saskatoon). Anyone who knew and cared for Garnett is welcome to attend.