Frances Annie McIlroy

Frances Annie (Blue) McIlroy died peacefully on July 30, 2023 at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Veteran’s wing where she had resided for 7 years. Frances was born on June 16, 1917 in Madoc, Ontario. Her well-being and longevity is attributed to her wonderful care from committed staff, and her connection and affection for her caregivers and fellow residents, especially her dear roommate Mary.

Frances was predeceased by her parents Margaret “Maggie” (McFarland) and Duncan Francis Blue, siblings Helen Elizabeth and Douglas Blue, husband T. Joseph McIlroy, daughter-in-law Georgette (Devlin) McIlroy and son-in-law Ernie J Hamelin. Survived and greatly missed by her children Paul Douglas McIlroy and Donna McIlroy-Hamelin, and beloved grandchildren Avery and Sof Hamelin.

Frances enjoyed the opportunity to spend her last years with friends who had also experienced WWII and served overseas. Graduating from Kingston General Hospital, Frances enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as a nurse in May 1944. She arrived at the 13th Canadian General Hospital in Cuckfield, England, in time to support the wounded arriving from the Normandy Invasion. After a year serving at Cuckfield, she followed the invasion into the continent with postings in Ghent, Belgium, and was in Nijmegen, Holland for liberation by the Canadian army. Returning aboard the Queen Elizabeth in February 1946, she was honourably discharged with the rank of Left-Lieutenant in July of that year. Frances then obtained her Public Health Nursing Degree from Montreal’s McGill University and worked in Toronto, Peterborough, and North Bay in Public Health, both as a community and school nurse.

Frances was adored by all for her kind, compassionate, and friendly nature. Having lived to be 106 years she experienced adversity and challenges, but always remained strong, appreciative, positive, and adapted. She was gracious, considerate, interested in others, nurturing and a wonderful friend and matriarch. During her time at Sunnybrook she participated in many interviews with students and journalists, representing the veterans at events, always eager to contribute to keep the significance of war and peace relevant.

The family wish to express sincere gratitude to her many friends and caregivers who ensured that she felt loved, vital and at the centre of a caring community throughout her life. A small private memorial service will be held with her resident friends, staff and immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to The Sunnybrook Veterans Grant a Wish Program would be appreciated.