Frances Mabel Coulthard

Frances was born in Roland, Manitoba, the eldest child of Dr. Herbert and Mabel Edwards. Raised in Birtle, Manitoba, Frances was active in school and sports and loved to curl, skate and swim. Following high school she attended nursing college until her marriage to Bill in August 1946. Together Bill and Frances raised their family in a variety of cities in western Canada, including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Kamloops, Peace River and Grande Prairie. With her easy smile and generous manner, Frances maintained lifelong friendships with neighbours from across the country. After Bill’s passing, Frances returned to Calgary where she reunited with her beloved “Stitch and Bitch” gang.

An avid reader, Frances always had a book on the go and several more at hand. Her children grew to appreciate her passion for literature, and are forever grateful that she instilled in them a similar love of reading. She was an active member in the community wherever she lived, including joining the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) where she spent several terms as Worthy Matron, Daughters of the Nile, and United Church Women (UCW). Frances also kept active through activities such as curling (which she enthusiastically followed on television when no longer on the ice!), sewing, knitting, and of course camping. The May 24th family camping weekends in Jasper were a thing of legend. Frances imparted to her children the importance of family, education and appreciation of the outdoors and nature. An adventurous spirit took Frances across the globe to England, Scotland, Pakistan, India, Hawaii, Mexico, the Cook Islands, France, and many areas of the mainland United States and all over Canada. Frances was also known for her love of dogs, especially the Scottish Terriers she shared her home with.

Frances is lovingly remembered by her children Bill, Helen, Gwen (Bernie), Laurie (David), Joy (Rick), Brock (Lucy), Chris (Christine), Peggy (Leon), Jenny (Dale), and Alex (Cheryl). She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters Carolyne and Marianne. She was predeceased by the love of her life Bill Coulthard in 1984.

Frances will be missed for her kindness, optimism, the laughter she brought with her sense of humour, her zest for life and that ever-present beautiful smile.

A Celebration of Frances’ life will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Country Hills Golf Club, 1334 Country Hills Blvd NW, Calgary, AB at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation via their website at https://www.jdrf.ca or a charity of choice.