Frances Priestman

Having lived her life to the fullest, Frances (Fran) left a gentle, warm imprint on everyone she met. She passed away peacefully at home into the arms of Jesus on June 25th, 2013 at the age of 91, surrounded by 3 generations of family. Predeceased by her husband Bob, grandson Daniel, and 6 older siblings, Mum will be deeply missed by her children Bob, Mary (McLean), Bill and Barb (Ifurung), their spouses Gail, Ken, Jill and Oscar, and her brother-in-law Peter Priestman. Nana will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Andy, Mike, Kelly, Leslie, Ashley, Ojay and Oliver, along with 7 great grandchildren. Special thanks to Michelle Ayang for 2 years of love, incredible care and devotion to Mum.

Frances was born in Stratford ON and raised in Brampton until high school when her family moved to Toronto. As an accomplished organist, pianist and choral singer, she won the highest awards at the Kiwanis Music Festival for a number of years. At age 16 she met the love of her life, Bob, when she joined the choir at The Church of the Messiah in Toronto. When WWII began, she was engaged to be married but waited 3 long years for his return before being married in 1945.

Following secretarial school, Fran's working career included the CBC with Lorne Greene, Ontario Nursing Home Assn, and Cdn Imp Bank of Commerce. All the while her love of music kept her involved as a church organist, choir director, vocal accompanist, choir member of Holy Trinity Church Thornhill and an original member of Cantabile Chorale of York Region.

We remember Mum for her love of gardening, bridge games, tennis, badminton and her unquestioning acceptance of everyone she met. Galatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… That was Mum's example to us. We cherish all that she has given us and will miss her always.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street (at Goulding, south of Steeles). Funeral Service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 140 Brooke Street, Thornhill. Reception to follow at the church. Interment Holy Trinity Cemetery, Thornhill. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.