It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Annie Edith Dyer (nee Smith) on July 29, 2020 at the age of 99. Predeceased by her husband Al Dyer, she is survived by her brother Harry Smith aka Pal (Anita), her children Faye McNall (Michael), Joan Norman (Ken) and Greg Dyer (Patty) along with her grandchildren Michelle Morgado (Danny), Jamie McNall (Lindsay) and Jennifer Dyer as well as 2 great granddaughters Sophia and Naya whom she adored. She will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Victoria on June 12, 1921, Frankie grew up on Bullock’s Farm on Saltspring Island. At the age of 18 she married Albert Dyer and moved to Chemainus where she spent the remainder of her 82 years, 41 in her home on Cedar Street before moving to Station Ridge in 1993, Dovehill House in July 2019, and finally Chemainus Health Care Center in July 2020. Fiercely independent, she lived on her own until age 98 when she moved to Dovehill.
Frankie lived life fully always. In her younger years, she played softball, bowled, played bridge and decided at age 80 to take up golf! At her family cabin on Horne Lake, a place she loved to gather with family, she enjoyed fishing, cards, horseshoes and later, bean bag toss where she still holds the record for consecutive ringers. Frankie loved to travel and took many bus trips, cruises and flights to various destinations, with family and friends. An avid knitter and crocheter her creations are treasured by all who received them.
The newspaper was a staple of her daily routine as were books and puzzles.
While she had many interests and hobbies, family mattered most to Frankie. Immediate family and extended family, she loved nothing more than any family gathering where she got to visit and spend time with those she loved. She looked forward to gathering “up at camp” with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids and welcomed any extended family willing to make the trek with open arms. Frankie is beloved for her warmth, generosity and sense of humour. The countless times she brought herself, and everyone around her to tears with her laughter, her raucous shouts if you foiled her at cards, her genuine delight at other’s successes. Frankie welcomed all who joined her family warmly and made them feel as loved as her own children. She will be forever missed.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Dovehill House whose dedication created a warm and caring home for her final year. We would also like to thank the staff of Chemainus Health Care Center who were attentive and caring in her final days.
Finally, more than words can say, we would like to thank Dr. Manhas, her physician of 27 years for his excellent care, Compassion and guidance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Written by granddaugher Michelle.
An angel gained her wings today. It’s with so much disbelief and sadness that my grandma passed away this morning. She was the rock in our family, the laughter and love always, the one who was strong for everyone else, was determined to show her independence right to the end, would accept anyone in as family and love them unconditionally, and set you straight when you needed it, she made the best apple pie, and cookies, brought the sass and had a wicked eye roll! She gave the best hugs and cuddles, could put a fussy baby to sleep in minutes, her singing was terrible, but we still loved it! Her belly laughs were infectious and she played a mean game of solitaire-she’d throw in a few swear words at you when you’d take her card. The cabin was her second home and her happy place. It won’t be the same without her, but she has given us so many amazing lessons, memories and so much love to carry us on. It’s hard to believe she won’t be here, but knowing she is at peace is comforting. My family is amazing because of this woman and I hope we continue to make her proud as she watches down on us! Heaven has gained a true angel. Forever in our hearts she will be!
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