Obituary of FRENCH – Selma Eno

April 10, 1907 – April 17, 2010 With family by her side, our beloved Mother, Grams, and G.G., passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the age of 103 years. Inspirational matriarch of the French family, Selma Eno French (nee Smith) was born into humble beginnings on April 10, 1907 in Nanaimo, BC. Her mother Elizabeth Eno died shortly after Selma was born, yet she had a wonderful relationship with her “little Scottish step-mother” Jinny, her father Arthur, sisters Elsie and Wynn, and brother Art. Selma graduated from the Vancouver General Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1929 and went on to nurse both in the States and Canada. She met the love of her life, Basil V French in 1932 and they married later that same year. Grams often reflected on their amiable forty-nine years of friendship and marriage and their life together in Trail, Cranbrook, and Calgary where they founded Universal Sales and Service. Her children Bas and Jan and their ensuing families were a constant source of pride and joy and provided her with much strength and energy. She measured her wealth by the richness of her family fabric, often quipping that she was one of the luckiest people on Earth. In addition to her deep love and appreciation for her family, Selma was a voracious reader with a keen intellect and her concern for mankind was genuine. She was courageous, tenacious, kind, and generous with a fun-loving spirit who enjoyed a fine glass of wine, a Labrador retriever, and a good giggle. Despite her discomfort in her final years, she often found humour in her circumstances and laughter always came easily. She maintained a sharp memory until the end, and we will all deeply miss her numerous stories as well as her wisdom, generosity, grace, and humour. Selma is survived by son Bas and his wife Anne and daughter Jan and her husband Guy. She was well-loved, respected, and greatly admired by her seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Basil in 1982 and great-granddaughter Jennifer in 1983. A private family celebration will be held to honour Selma’s life. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5 Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.ca. The family would like to thank the staff at McKenzie Town Care Centre for the care that they provided in Selma’s final years. In living memory of Selma French, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.