Frances "Frankie" Lyall Pearson

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Frances (Frankie) Pearson on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at the age of 90 years.

A memorial service was held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

Full obituary to run Thursday, September 27, 2012 as well as Saturday, September 29, 2012.

Frances (Frankie) Lyall Pearson (Crawford)

March 31, 1922 - September 23, 2012

“Peace Begins With A Smile”

Frankie’s extraordinary journey began 90 years ago in Beausejour, Manitoba where she was born to Margaret and James Crawford (Beausejour’s first Lawyer). She spent many memorable years at the Brokenhead River and Hoban’s Park. While roller-skating at The Winnipeg Roller Rink with her life long friend Doreen, Frankie met the love of her life Arnie. He was instantly attracted to Frankie’s beautiful blue eyes, big smile and colorful sense of style. Arnie and Frankie married in 1944.

For the next 25 years, Frankie raised her children in Fort Rouge, primarily Riverview. She was active with the United Church, where she taught Sunday School, and was very involved in Riverview Community Center. She also volunteered at Riverview Health Center working with Polio Patients. Frankie and Arnie lived in River Heights and upon his retirement moved to Sandy Hook in 1976. They spent 10 wonderful years together golfing, cross-country skiing, travelling and entertaining friends & family. After Arnie’s sudden passing in 1986, Frankie remained in Sandy Hook until moving to Rotary Towers in Gimli in 2002. Gimli was a special place to Frankie, especially with the gradual loss of her eyesight to Macular Degeneration. Gimli always made Frankie feel safe and comfortable, thanks to her many wonderful friends and the warmth of the community. Frankie overcame adversity with a positive outlook. Frankie’s final residence was The Wellington in Winnipeg.

Frankie was unselfish and truly cared about others. She provided unconditional love and displayed strong religious & moral values. Frankie was a born storyteller and a proud Canadian. She enjoyed golfing, cross-country skiing, other activity and adventure. Frankie worked at The Bay in Winnipeg and as a paralegal at Laird McGinnis Burbidge Law Firm. She constantly embraced and promoted education; all her children and grandchildren achieved university educations.

Frankie will always be our Mother Teresa and was the “Rock” in our family. She was truly an inspiration! Frankie will live on through her 4 Children; Don (Brenda), Art (Allison), Jane (Tom), John (Jane); her 9 Grandchildren; Kristan (Doug), Sean (Lauren), Megan (Chad), Cheryl, John, Geoff, Brennan, Leanne and Jennifer; and her 4 Great Grandchildren; Aleta, Max, Parker and William. Frankie was predeceased by her three loving sisters: Jean, Marg, and Grace.

It is a pleasant miracle that Frankie began and ended her life in the community of Riverview. Frankie passed away in the Riverview Health Centre on Sunday, September 23, 2012 where she was referred to as “everyone’s grandmother”. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the entire staff at the Palliative Care Unit 3East Riverview Health Centre from our family.

A gathering to Celebrate Frankie’s Life was held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home at 1291 McGillivray Blvd on Sunday September 30 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory would be appreciated by the CNIB. Please contact donor services at [email protected], call 1-800-563-2642 or go online at www.cnib.ca/en/support/donate/memory .