Obituary of Frances HARPER

FRANCES ELLEN HARPER Suddenly on December 15, 2010 Frances Ellen Harper, aged 89 passed away. She had always said when your time is here, you hear someone calling. She heard the love of her life, George, asking her to join him that day. She has left to mourn daughter Eileen (husband Rick), granddaughter Ellen and grandson Al, great-grandchildren Katlyn, Cassandra, and Dillon of Winnipeg and Ainsley of Selkirk. In England, sister Phyllis, nieces Ann and Sandra and their families. Weekly letters kept Phyllis and her in touch for many years until writing became hard. They have kept in touch by phone every week since then. There were special people, always thought of as family-of-the-heart who will miss her, Derek and Florence, Lauralee, Irene and Heidi. She was predeceased by husband George, sister Edith, parents Albert and Harriet Baker and brothers-in-law and wives over the years. Not to forget Nance and Bob, and Clifford and Dolly, friends through thick and thin for 40 years until their passing. George, Frances and Eileen immigrated to Canada in 1957 to start a new life. And it indeed was a good life that this small family found here. She had a ready wit, and sometimes told you things you didn't want to hear, but needed saying, always with your best interests at heart, and love in hers. She worked at Kay's and Gault's and Ray-0-Vac in the early years, went to RRCC to get her Medical Transcriptionist certificate and ended her working life at Misericordia Hospital Medical Records. She retired from there with 25 plus years service at 65. On to a life of golf 3 times a week with George and friends, and enjoyment with the kids (of all ages). She loved reading and always had a book at hand. She especially loved history, watching tennis, soccer, and football, but most of all hockey. This led to a 53 year love of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Love'em or hate 'em but never desert them. Go Leafs!! She loved her bingo dates with Eileen and creating "to-do" lists for Ellen's day off. Enjoyed watching Rick's mowing and shovelling skills and a round of golf with Al. She was an active person until osteoporosis and arthritis slowed her down. She was independent until this summer, when it became necessary to have a hand while getting out and about. She was steadfast in how her home and person were kept, and there was not much you could put past her as she was TOO GOOD at ferreting out "secrets". All the family have felt the repercussions of trying! The family would like to thank the paramedics and staff at Concordia Hospital, especially the nurses and pastor, for their thoughtfulness at this time. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street. She has been a supporter of the War Amps for almost 30 years, so any monetary contribution in her memory should be made to this worthy organization. Mom and Gran we will miss you.