After two rings she picks up a bit breathless, “hellooo” I hear and then I say “ Hi Fran, its Kathy.”  “My Kathy?” she asks. Yes of course.  And that's how it always felt with her, that I was “hers” somehow.  We were all hers, even my college roommate, even my hopes and fears, even my goals…somehow they were hers as well.  She took me on, as she took us all on…completely and unconditionally.  Oh, there were opinions shared...or sometimes just given, but the motivation was love every time.  If she didn't care she wouldn't correct, convict, or control.  It was love every time.  And sometimes she pushed and sometimes she prodded, but didn't we all need it? Didn't it mark us as “hers”? 

She got things done; amazing things, and she did them well.  If there were a goal it would be accomplished.  If there were a baby, he or she would be turned on their tummies and told to “push up.”  If there was a visitor her door was always open, if there was an opportunity it would be taken and relished.   If there were a book it would be read, and perhaps edited.   If there were a destination, it would be traveled to, and experienced fully.  

I will never forget the scavenger hunts, the games, the eye contact and the talks around the table.  I will never forget the outings, the plans, and the plays, the broadening of perspectives, and the delight at every bite.  She loved beautiful things, and if they were functional…all the better.  She was generous in her appreciation of life.

She was generous with all of us, with everyone.  She believed in the communal Body of Christ, all of us bound together for a purpose.  She believed in a Big God, and an intimate Holy Spirit.  She believed in a suffering Jesus, a Jesus that understood her sorrow and helped her to carry it.  She prayed constantly.  She prayed especially for the lost and the sick, for the lamb separated from the safety of the herd.  She leaned into hope.

She was the smartest, fiercest, most determined woman I have ever met.  And I was “hers”…we all were.

Feb.28, 2012

Fran,you will be missed and remembered by the many staff that you hired through the years. I started at Holy Family Hospital in 1964 and stayed there until my retirement in 1990. I had found my niche and later ended getting your position. You were a great boss and later a good friend. I enjoyed your hospitality in Winnipeg prior to finding a place of my own and doing degree competion at U of M. Later my husband and I enjoyed meeting you and Tom socially. Will miss you.

I met Fran in 1968 when a student at the University of Winnipeg.  She was the Dean of the Womens Residence and for the next 3 years became a mentor for me.  When I decided to switch from following a degree in Arts to something more practical I decided to try occupational Therapy.  She shared her opinion that my personality was more suited to physiotherapy, and persuaded me to at least go to UBC where they offered a combined PT/OT training.  I have aways been very grateful for that.  She was right.  I ended up choosing Physiotherapy, and was able to follow that career in the remote places I have lived since. Since moving up the Coast I have only visited Fran 6 times.  But they were wonderful visits - each one memorable.  The last one involved picking up a friend of hers and going to a play in North Van.  It was SO MUCH FUN.  Like for so many others, Fran was an inspiration to me - a wonderfu exmple of  how to live life to its fullest.  Thanks, Fran, and to all those who loved and cared for you.

Fran was my family's next door neighbour, and the 3 kids were my childhood pals.  As I grew up I always knew that a conversation with Fran would be a review of my goals and plans - and I was indeed entitled to her opinion! My parents considered her a great friend and I have wonderful memories of a woman that always expressed her care & concern - was perseptive & inquisitive, bringing out thoughts and answers that had eluded me at the time! Truly a wonderful person who set out to share & enjoy her life with her family & friends- all of us somehow in a  huge inclusive circle of her love.  My thoughts to the family!, her most proud achievement.

Fran was such a delight and a woman way ahead of her time.  I feel so blessed to have known her and will always remember her smile and passion for life.  Terri and Ron, you and your family made her so very proud...and she knew how much she was loved.
 I am so glad we had those last few visits and that "Jack" was able to give her some comfort and affection over the holidays while Fran got her "cat-fix".   
She leaves a big void...but oh so many wonderful memories.  Thinking of you all,

Shari MacFarlane

Reflections of a great mother!
I realize those who knew her would agree that mom was remarkable and inspirational.  I believe she had a plan on how she wanted to live her life and that she really followed it.  If she had a "bucket list" I think it may have resembled this.......(in no particular order)

1. Travel- check.  Mom believed that travel was fundamental to learning and understanding.  She worked and lived in London and Laos and travelled the world with "her Tom".  She enjoyed her last big trip with her entire family when we travelled to Europe in 2005.  We will cherish those memories.  

2. Get Connected-check.  Always determined to keep up, mom moved into the 21st century in her 80's, bought a computer, e-mailed, skyped, was on facebook, and inspired her friends to get "plugged-in"

3. Family. Check.  We were everything to mom.  She was somehow able to do what most would find impossible...Have a career and independence, and still be intregal in our lives.  We never doubted that we were loved and important.  I marvel that her Winnipeg grandchildren who have basically grown up thousands of miles from her feel so attached to her, but that was mom.  She was so interested in everything they did. In 2010 she completed her memoirs.  An incredible undertaking and something that I am appreciating more every day. In addition, she researched her parental ancestry as well as our fathers. These written histories will be cherished and passed on through the generations.

4.  Make a quilt. Check.  In the 70's, mom bought fabric to make a quilt and finally, with help from a dear friend, made it happen about 6 years ago. This was the artistic side of mom.  She could sew, knit, paint and garden.  On the flip side she could talk politics, religion and investments.    

5. Live life and leave life with    dignity.  Check.  Absolutely.  Mom was kind, generous, loving and intelligent.  She was adventurous, strong and honest.  I watched her deal with her failing health and marvelled at how she adapted to her limitations and "soldiered on" with resolute strength.  
To quote the philosopher George Santayana "There is no cure for birth or death save to enjoy the interval"  Mom you really did enjoy it.  We miss you!
Leslie and family

When our mother died, our father, Tom was a lost soul. Aged 65, he was due to retire from work, but to keep busy, he continued until he was forced to retire, aged 69.
It was then that he decided to sail to Canada to visit his daughter. It was on this voyage that he met dear Fran and they fell in love â€“ Tom was found again and his new life began.
Soon afterwards, they married and settled in Vancouver. Fran continued to work for a time and Tom became a house husband. Much of their free time was spent travelling the world, to places too numerous to mention, often for weeks and sometimes months at a time. Fran and Tom loved people and made many friends and acquaintances over the years. It was obvious to us that they were so happy and contented together and Tom settled so easily into the Canadian way of life.
They also shared a strong religious faith and were regular worshippers at their local church and indeed in churches around the world whenever they had the opportunity. Their faith shaped their lives together and helped them find peace and happiness. Our father was blessed to have met Fran and to spend the last 21 years of his life in such contentment. They found true salvation in each other and for that we are thankful. 
We have many treasured memories of them and we will remember them with warmth, love and smiles.

God bless you Fran.
Robert, Thelma and Richard Cluett

I will continue our rituals of red wine and blue cheese and I hope you do the same in your beautiful resting place.  As you look down upon us, I will strive to reach a 10 everday.  You have shown me and taught me to be present here and now. We all miss you dearly. Thanks for always keeping dad in check and being the wind under my mom's wings. With love and gratitude for having touched our lives, the Meyer family... Paul

In 1977 Fran hired me as young physiotherapist from the Netherlands. The interview went well and I will always remember her concern for me as I started out in a total new community. She was very happy that my new job started in the spring so I did not have to drive as much in the darkness and rain. When we met during gatherings or meetings Fran always reached out and asked how I was managing. 
Her caring and ability in the rehab field will always be remembered.
May the gift of her life and memories give Fran's loved ones strength in the time to come. Ineke Aardema.

Fran was our rock and we miss her terribly. There will never be another Granny Fran. She has left a huge impact on all of us with her spirituality, her wisdom, her intellect and her curious nature. On a scale of 1-10 .... how are you doing Franny? Love you
terri and ron

Fran was a friend for almost the last 20 years. She was generous with her time, her ideas and her charity and a supporter of many causes....Prince Charles may never know he has just lost one of his biggest supporters! We could always count on Fran and her questions, always questions prompted by  interest and caring. She was a lady with a smile that matched her disposition and on a scale of one to ten, she was a 10! It was easy to be her friend....and a delight.
Trevor and Barbara

Fran was a beautiful lady who was an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed.  Marilyn &Bob

Fran interviewed me for an OT job in the Vancouver health department. I knew Fran, was familiar with the requirements of the position and was thoroughly enjoying myself until I realised that Fran was focused on my gorgeous new open toed sandals. I got the job but never wore those sandals to work again! Thank you Fran for everything you contributed to health care in Vancouver and for the inspiration of your full life.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Frances May Cluett

December 16, 1923 – January 25, 2012

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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