Our dear Mum passed away on May 25th after a brief illness, just short of her 102nd birthday. She was the daughter of Alfred (“Brownie”) and Lillian Baker; the loving and devoted wife of Merritt Collin Pharo (d. 1997); sister to Douglas (d. 1945); most amazing mother to Nancy Henrico, Sandra Henrico (Peter), Judy (Bob), and Andy (Norah); cherished grandmother (“Nine”) to Joanne, Christine (David) Michael, Kurt (Carina), Lee Anne (Mike), Adrienne (Cam), and Connor; and great-grandmother to Emma Grace, Brielle, Brooke, Bradley, Matthew, Noa, and River.
Mum was born in Sherbrooke, grew up in Lennoxville, graduated from Bishop’s University (BA ’39, B.Ed. ’40), married my Dad and set up home in Thetford Mines and became part of the close-knit Pharo family. She was a homemaker, an educator, and an artist – family and friends all have her paintings on their walls. Her happiest times were at the cottage where there were always lots of family, friends, visitors, kids, and dogs. There was always room for one more around her table.
Mum was her own person – quiet and reserved, but very aware. People instinctively gravitated to her and wanted to be part of her family: she was “Auntie-Fran” to so many. But while she was sage and supportive, she never overly mothered us. We knew clearly that we were being groomed to be good citizens: self-sufficient, honest, well mannered, kind, hardworking, and trustworthy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren also benefited from her quiet influence. She loved them without reservation, and they kept her young and engaged right up until the end of her life. She was our coach, our confidante, our safety zone, our rock, and no family event took place before checking with “headquarters”. She had a will and desire to survive at all odds - anyone that lived through the 1918 Spanish Flu and survived COVID-19 had grit. This is her legacy to all of us. We will miss her.
The family would like to thank the Manoir Beaconsfield particularly Sabrina, Donna, Brenda, Melissa, Caitlyn, Lance, and Shirley for their amazing support of our Mum, particularly during the 9 weeks of isolation. Also, thanks to Dr. Iqbal and Dr. Dollois who managed Mum’s health with great care.
Donations in memory of Mum may be made to Ormstown Elementary School, 7 Georges Street,
Ormstown, Québec, J0S 1K0 (https://oes.nfsb.qc.ca) to support student programs and services.
A Memorial Service will take place in Sherbrooke at a later date.
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