Obituary of DAWSON – Frances Lilla

June 6, 1916 – June 11, 2010 Frances Lilla Dawson passed away on Friday, June 11, 2010, after a short illness, at the age of 94 years. Frances was born on June 16, 1916 in Calgary to parents Leonard and Lilla Boundy. She grew up in a time of adversity, but learned many skills as a result. These skills gave her the tenacity to continue going. Frances chose to apply to SAIT’s sewing program and later on she became a secretary at the school. She was a pillar of determination and independence. Frances met her husband Ruel when a friend took her to the Ghost Ranger Station northwest of Cochrane. They married on June 20, 1942, and as a war bride Frances followed her husband to Sidney, BC where Ruel was posted during the war. After the war they returned to the area near Cochrane to build a home on ranch land they acquired under the Veteran’s Land Act. They stayed on the ranch and raised their two children, Don and Fern, encouraging them to be successful by passing along any of their skills, and keeping them from a life of isolation by attending community events. Frances became known for her loyalty and unfailing care of any who came into her home. She played the piano, and both board and card games, on long winter evenings, and had a fascination with the world. In 1995 Frances bought a home in Cochrane, where she learned how to use centralized heating, and sold the remaining ranch land. After an illness in 1998 she moved to Big Hill Lodge in Cochrane, where she experienced her first manicure. In January of 2009 she was moved to the Brentwood Care Centre in Calgary. Frances is survived by her loving children, Donald Dawson and Fern Phillips; grandchildren Donald, Michael, Timothy, Tracey, and Michelle; and several great-grandchildren. Frances was predeceased by her husband Ruel in January of 1987. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Cochrane Funeral Home (369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB), on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Cochrane Cemetery. You may forward condolences through . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email . In living memory of Frances Dawson, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.