Obituary of E. Frances Vesterdal

Frances was received into the loving arms of Jesus in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, 2008, after she courageously fought her battle with ovarian cancer. Left to mourn her passing are her husband and friend, Knut Vesterdal (married fifty years); her daughters Ellen Vesterdal, Kathy (Ray) Darwent, and son Arthur (Isabelle) Vesterdal; grandchildren Brittany and Ashley Darwent and step grandson Joel Goulet plus many other relatives and friends. Frances graduated from nursing in 1952 from the University of Alberta. Before marriage, she served as a public health nurse both in Thorsby, AB and in North Vancouver, BC. She nursed in Calgary for many years (usually private-duty), retiring in the mid 1970’s and began to sell Avon as a part-time job. While at university she sang in the Mixed Choir and up until April 2008 she sang both in the Northminster United Church Choir and the Scandinavian Choir of Calgary. Earlier, Frances served as a CGIT leader at Thorsby, AB and later at Central United Church in Calgary. She was very active with her church and maintained close contact with her nursing classmates, attending many reunions, the most recent being her 55th in the spring of 2007 in Victoria BC. Frances loved to help other people and would often drop by to bring them a little something to cheer them up. She loved camping with her family, first in a tent, and then later in a holiday trailer. A Memorial Service will be held at Northminster United Church (3311 Centre Street North) on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 1:30 pm. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Ovarian Cancer Canada, 105B – 1409 Edmonton Trail. N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 3K8 (attention: Lisa Barrett), Telephone: 1-877-413-7970, www.ovariancanada.org or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. We wish to thank the staff at unit 42B of the Foothills Hospital and the 2 West Unit at Glenmore Care West for their comforting care. Frances was blessed by the outpouring of love from friends and relatives expressed by prayers, visits and cards. We all felt surrounded by your love and thank you very much. In living memory of Frances Vesterdal, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296