Margery "Marge" Ann Francis

MARGE FRANCIS

With very sad hearts we are sharing with family and friends Mom’s passing on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020, at the Rivers Hospital.

Marge was born on July 28, 1938, in Lorlie, Saskatchewan. She moved with her parents and sister Rene to the Gladstone area when she was just three weeks old. She lived in the Gladstone and Arden areas up until her marriage to Bruce, when they bought their first house in the Town of Arden.

On July 28, 1956, Marge married the love of her life, Bruce Francis. They were blessed with five children - Robin, Kerry, Grant, Shauna, Dwayne. They eventually moved from the house in Arden to the Francis family farm. They lived on the farm until 2012, when they moved into Neepawa.

Marge was a community person. For many years she supported all the events that took place at the Arden Hall, Curling Rink and Park. She was also involved with the United Church, a member of the UCW.

Marge worked alongside Bruce on the Lansdowne Centennial Committee in 1984, and then the Three School Reunion in Arden in 2006. She loved to get people together.

Mom was very proud of the Arden Community. She kept her ties to the town and surrounding area even after moving to Neepawa. She attended and supported the various shows and concerts put on at the Arden Hall. These were always a highlight in her calendar. She also enjoyed her time volunteering at the Arden Museum.

After many years of working on the farm, in 1984 Mom decided to work outside the home and began doing Home Care in Neepawa and Area. She did this for 17 years and developed many good friendships with her co-workers and clients. Mom was also very proud of her years working as a telephone operator for MTS from 1955-1965.

Marge loved her family. She had a very special relationship with each of her children and grandchildren. She instilled in each of them her quiet but strong values, practicality, compassion, understanding, love and support.  She was interested in everything her children and grandchildren did – followed their sports, their travels, their hobbies. She was an amazing Mom and Grandma.

Marge is survived by her four children - son Robin, wife Sherry, granddaughters Brittany and Lyndin; son Kerry, wife Theresa, granddaughter Teighan, grandson Graham; daughter Shauna, husband Mike, grandsons Jesse and Drew, granddaughter Logan; and son Dwayne, wife Kim, grandsons Mackenzie, Mayson, Nicklaus. She is also survived by the Benson Family, and Bruce’s sister Lorraine and family.  She was predeceased by her husband Bruce in 2019 and their son Grant in 1989.

Mom loved to work outdoors. Her gardens at the farm were her pride and joy. Countless hours were put into making her flower beds perfect. Roses were her favourites and they were second to none! Her passion for gardening continued when they moved to Neepawa. Mom had flowers wherever she could find a spot, and she continued to enjoy fresh vegetables from a small garden that she maintained.  To sit outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air was a daily joy for Mom. Sitting by a fire with family was also a special time.

Indoors, Mom was a fantastic cook. Everyone loved whatever she would make. Butter tarts, nanaimo squares, fresh bread and homemade jam will forever be long time favourites for all of us.

Doing crossword puzzles and playing cards were favourite pastimes for Mom. She looked forward to her daily paper so she could do the puzzle. Mom loved to play cards. There was nothing like a good game of Shanghai rummy with the family or sitting around visiting and playing cards with friends.

Collecting coins was also a great interest of Mom’s. She loved collecting money and was up to date with every new Canadian coin that was put into circulation. Everyone liked to bring Grandma back money from their travels so she could add it to her collection.

Mom and Dad enjoyed camping and travelling and went from coast to coast in Canada, north to Alaska, south to Mexico. They covered it all, making friends everywhere they went.

Mom was always up for an adventure. She never turned down the opportunity to jump in a vehicle and go for a ride.

Mom loved and was loved by many. Her Arden neighbors were very special to her, and when she moved to Neepawa she developed many more good friendships. She was very grateful for all their support over the past couple of years.

In lieu of flowers and cards, if you wish, a donation can be made to the Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne in support of Lansdowne Recreation.

We will miss you Mom, Grandma, Friend. Love you forever.

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