Frances Helen Lario

Born in Langenburg Saskatchewan and predeceased by her father William and her mother Theresa; her sisters Ann and Mary; and brothers William, Jacob, Joseph, John and Matthew. Also predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Roy, and two stepdaughters Helen and Hazel.

Frances and Roy along with daughters Janice and Denise and son Glenn, moved from their home in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, in 1961 to Abbotsford and owned a motel business and an insurance business. Daughter Jacqueline was born in 1966.

After dad retired from his business life, mom took on employment with Mills Paints in Abbotsford where she eventually became manager of the Abbotsford outlet until the company was sold to Sherwin-Williams. Mom also was a tireless community volunteer who was recognized numerous times for her unselfish energy which she directed towards Abbotsford Community Services, Abbotsford Old Age Pensioners Society where she served as treasurer for 14 years, Meals on Wheels, Adopt a Family, aiding various projects overseas, and annual tax filing for elders in the community.

The spirit of helping others was one of her many fine attributes and she was just as unselfish to her family and friends as she was to the many causes that she supported. Never was anyone turned away from her door and if hungry offered food and if tired offered rest. She had a passion for knitting and made wool socks for the homeless in the community as well as receiving blankets and toques for babies born in impoverished communities overseas.

For a little girl born on a small family farm she always possessed an unbridled curiosity and was always up for an adventure. Her mind remained sharp until the last few years and her knowledge of the world around her was to us all, amazing, and often surprising too because one never knew what she could recall or speak about through her recollections of her many experiences and her inquisitive mind.

In her final decade dementia began to take a heavy toll on her and her health declined. She took up residence in White Rock at the Weatherby Pavilion and later the Peace Arch Foundation Lodge. She leaves behind her remaining loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Weatherby Pavilion and Foundation Lodge for their warm, kind-hearted care of mom during her stay with them. Should it be your wish to make a special remembrance of Frances, please donate to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, White Rock, BC.

A visitation for Frances will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 33333 Mayfair Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S1P4. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 33333 Mayfair Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S1P4. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Hazelwood Cemetery, 24070 Hazelwood Drive, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7R1.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Lario family.