Frances Mary Riddell

Born in St. Andrews, Quebec on November 29, 1938, Frances Taylor was the third child of Lawson and Helen (nee Perks), joining older brother George and sister, Bea. The family would grow to seven with the addition of sisters Pat and Jean.

After graduating from Lachute high school in 1955, Fran worked at Kerr’s Farm, a popular retreat in Lakefield, QC. It is here that Fran would meet the love of her life, Grant. Not wasting any time, the lovebirds wed in 1956 and began their life together in Montreal where Grant was employed.

In 1957 Debra Lee (Debbie) was born, and it would not be long before the family packed up and moved to Winnipeg, in what would be the first of several moves westward across the country. In 1961, shortly after William Grant (Bill) joined the clan, the family was off to Calgary for a four year layover, before moving on to Richmond, BC, in 1965. The nomadic Riddell’s were finally able to lay down roots in Richmond, where Fran and Grant enjoyed an active social life with their many friends at South Arm United Church as well as their Lucas Road neighbors. Fran re-entered the workforce in Richmond teaching kindergarten for a few years, while also taking night classes at Pitman Business College. In the early 1970’s Fran was employed by B.C. Forest Products in Vancouver.

In 1974, a job transfer for Grant took the family to Prince George, BC. During the family’s first winter in PG Fran learned to downhill ski so that she could join the rest of the family on the slopes. Fran and Grant also became active in the curling club in PG, and enjoyed the sport for many years. In Prince George Fran began working at B.C. Tel, the start of a 22 year career with the company.

In 1978, Fran and Grant relocated to Richmond and were happily reunited with old friends as well as their church family at South Arm United. Fran transferred to B.C. Tel’s Human Resources department at the Burnaby head office, and shortly after joined the HR management team. After leaving B.C. Tel in 1997, Fran spent several years working in HR for Canadian Airlines, as well as Harmony Airlines.

Finally, in the early 2000’s, Fran came to the realization that work was limiting her playtime with her granddaughters and she joined Grant in retirement. In 2003, Fran and Grant left Richmond to enjoy their retirement years in White Rock. Here they made many new friends, enjoyed time with family, and maintained old friendships. Fran made an effort to stay

connected to the people in her life, and was always available to help others whenever a need arose.

In 2020 Fran and Grant moved to Abbotsford to be closer to family. Fran took good care of her Grant as his health declined until, after more than 66 years of marriage, Grant passed away in December of 2022. In August of 2024, Fran moved to Carrington House senior’s residence in Mission where after so many years of cooking for herself and others, she enjoyed the supports offered.

Fran leaves behind her two children, Debbie (Roger) and Bill (Kim), and her granddaughters Katherine and Paige (Nick). She is also survived by sisters Bea, Pat and Jean, brother–in–laws, Winston and John, sister-in-law Shirley, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fran was renowned by family and friends for her wonderful knack at entertaining and her incredible baking. Sunday dinners prepared with love, which she coined “Lachute dinners” were always enjoyed by family and friends. Fran loved to bake and she continually filled her family’s freezers with pies, cookies, and her famous “whirlamajigs”.

People were drawn to Fran by her warmth, caring, and infectious smile and laugh. She was the best playmate her grandchildren could have wished for. She loved deeply and brought joy to all who knew her.

Please join us on July 3rd at Morgan Creek golf club from 1:00 – 3:30 to celebrate Fran’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Archway Community Services in Abbotsford, or to a charity of your choice.