Obituary of FRANCES HELEN ATWELL

FRANCES HELEN ATWELL August 3, 1923 – September 20, 2015 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Frances Helen Atwell, who departed peacefully with family by her side at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 92. Frances was preceded by her parents, Ernest and Beatrice Brown, her dear Grandmother Nellie Bell and her sister Gloria Rodriguez. Frances is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, George Ivan Henry Atwell, seven children Carol (Richard), Judy (Paul), Jocelyn (Kenneth), Gerry (Marnie), Vincent (Angela), James (Suzanne), Cathy (Simon), seven grandchildren Sean (Angie), Carla (Darrin), Brendan (Jarita), Nicola, Bennet, Kim and Julien, and two great grand children, Caleb and Jacob. Frances attended Machray, Holy Ghost, Immaculate Conception and St. John’s Tech schools and like her mother, became involved with girl guides, becoming a Captain and earning her Gold Cord. Frances took voice and violin lessons and sang as a mezzo-soporano with several choral groups including the James Duncan singers with which she appeared professionally on CBC radio. In 1948 she was a finalist in the Winnipeg Rose Bowl vocal festival competition. The family home at 298 Charles Street became well known as a place where old and new friends could gather on a Sunday evening and sing around the piano often played by Frances' mother, Beatrice. With the encouragement of her neighbourhood druggist, Mr. Vineberg, Frances entered Pharmacy at University of Manitoba and graduated in 1948 in a class of 29 which included only five women. Frances went on to work as a pharmacist for over 60 years at St. Boniface, Children’s and Grace hospitals as well as The Bay downtown, Ringers in Fort Garry and of course her local St. Norbert Pharmacy, with her last years of employment at the Meadowood Pharmacy in St. Vital. In 1949, George Ivan Henry Atwell arrived from Trinidad to study at the University of Manitoba. On his second day in Winnipeg, seeking accommodations, he knocked on the door of the Charles Street boarding house owned by Frances’ family. Four years later George and Frances were married and started a family that would eventually include seven children, Carol, Judy, Jocelyn, Gerry, Vincent, James and Cathy. George became a school teacher and naval reserve officer and started a honey beekeeping operation. Frances was a highly intelligent, thoughtful and wise person. She kept up with current affairs and politics and had a wide range of interests. She loved music and self-taught, she played the piano beautifully and often sang her children to sleep at night when they were small. She was a kind and loving mother and even with seven children, managed to make each feel nurtured and special. Mom was of the generation that baked their own bread and made dinners from scratch. Frances touched the lives of many people with her kindness and generosity of spirit. In St. Norbert, she was a mom to the entire neighbourhood and welcomed all. In fact, Mom instilled a culture of altruism in the household. Frances officially retired from pharmacy at age 69, but continued to take on occasional shifts at places she enjoyed working well into her 70’s. She loved her pharmacy career and the role of serving the community. She and Dad enjoyed Ballroom Dancing, Scrabble, computer lessons and attending the Opera with friends and most of all she cherished her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Earlier this year, Dad and Mom moved from their home of over 50 years on St. Gabriel Ave. in St. Norbert, to Deer Lodge Centre. In her last few weeks Dad would look forward to her cheerful greetings each day and Mom’s eyes would light up when Dad entered the room. We are proud of the brave way in which she left us and wish we could all go as bravely. We thank God for the example of dignity that she provided us. We love you Frances and you will live on in the hearts of your husband, children, grand and great grandchildren and the generations not yet born. Pallbearers are Bennet Atwell, James Atwell, Brendan Kinley, Simon Langis, Caleb Williams and Sean Williams. Celebration of Frances Atwell’s Life will be on Monday, September 28th, 2015 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Public viewing at 9:30 am. Celebration of Life at 10:00 am. Reception to follow. Many thanks to the staff and loving residents of Lodge Six East, Deer Lodge Centre for their kindness and care of our mother during her six months residence. We would also like to thank the South Winnipeg WRHA Home Care team for many years of dedicated care and friendship shown to both our parents while caring for Mom. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Frances’ memory to an organization of your choice.