Frances Parr

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Frances Olive Parr, on February 13th, 2021 at 100 years, the age she had hoped to attain. She was born September 18, 1920 in the midst of the Spanish Flu pandemic and died, not due to, but during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Frances was born and raised in Selkirk Manitoba. She is predeceased by her parents Mike and Sophie Zegil and siblings, Adolf and Emily. She graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Manitoba in 1942 and then World War II intervened in her life. She enlisted in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) in 1943 and was stationed in Shelbourne, Nova Scotia. It was there that she met, and married, her husband of 69 years, John Vernon Parr, who predeceased her in 2014.

While serving her country, Frances worked as a decoder of German radio transmissions. She rose to the rank of Lieutenant before being honourably discharged in December 1945 at the end of the war. John and Frances then moved to Windsor where they built their family home and where they resided for the entire married life. They welcomed their children; Susan (George) Velickovic, Kathleen (Jacques) Martel, Wendy Parr (Dick Dow), Erin, Ontario and Michael (Patricia) Parr, Goderich, Ontario.

Grandchildren followed; Milan (Rada) Velickovic, Tanya (Miroslav) Pavlovic, Branka (Mike) Ventrella, Marianne Dent (Peter Costard 2020), Ryan (Katie) Bremner, Andrea (Mike) Frias, Brittany Jones (Chelsey Heystee), Byron Jones, Jeffrey (Diane) Parr, Thomas Parr (Meredith Poole), Stephen Parr (2016). Thirteen great grandchildren rounded out the family of which Frances, our mom, was so proud.

Frances was the consummate homemaker who was totally devoted to her husband, raising her children and giving them every opportunity in life. She was a woman of small stature but a force to be reckoned with. A deeply compassionate person Frances always saw the good in people. She lived life to the fullest and maintained a positive outlook whatever life handed her.

When her children grew more independent, Frances took on a part-time position at Sears in the ladies coat department. She embraced her work with energy and enthusiasm and considered it her second career. Frances retired from Sears at age 84 after 31 years.

The family enjoyed annual vacations on Frances’ family farm in Selkirk and spent many holidays with her sister Emily’s family in London. Weekends in the summer would regularly find the family swimming and barbequing with cousins at Point Pelee. Frances hosted Christmas every year until 2014 when she moved to Seasons Royal Oak Village in LaSalle, Ontario.

The staff and residents at Seasons became like a second family to Frances. As a family, we are forever grateful for the dedicated staff and excellent care that she received during the six and a half years that she resided there.

We would also like to acknowledge the staff at Windsor Regional Hospital, Ouellette Campus, Dr. Ian Brown and the nursing team on 6E, in particular Kory and Nicole, who treated our mother with care and compassion in her final days.

A private family service has taken place. Due to COVID restrictions a celebration of Frances’ life will be held at a later date when safety permits. Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Share memories, condolences or make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society or charity of choice at www.andersonfuneralhomewindsor.com

We miss you Mom.