Obituary of Frances Williams

Frances Patricia Williams of Calgary passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 08, 2006 at the Rosedale Hospice. Frances Williams was born August 13, 1917 in Red Deer, Alberta to Sigurborg (nee Arnason-Anderson) and Stephen Wilson. Raised and educated in Red Deer, she moved to the west coast in 1942 to work in the war effort, taking a job on the shop floor of the Sitka Spruce Sawmill. On returning to Red Deer she married Donald Dale, had her two children, ultimately raising them as a single mother while working full time at Morris Ladies Wear. She was an active member in the Women’s Auxiliary of the Canadian Legion, acting several times as president. She was well known for her busy little blue VW Beetle, driving her children and friends to and from all of their activities. She opened her modest home to all of her children’s friends, acting as chaperone for the many trips to Sylvan Lake. In 1967 she moved back to the coast where she met and married Al Williams in 1975 . She worked at Sears until she was forced to retire, taking up salmon fishing as a hobby with Al. She took special care of Al for two years until he passed in October of 1992. She moved to Calgary to be close to her son, living in the Kinsmen Seniors’ Apartments, the Westview and Aspen Lodges where she made all sorts of friends with both the residents and staff. Rosedale Hospice, in all of its compassion took care of Frances during her final struggle with lung cancer. A heartfelt thank you to all of the staff and volunteers for offering our mother such loving care. Frances is the cherished mother of her son (John Oliver) Jack Dale and his partner Marilyn Wesolowsky, daughter Dawn Dale and her partner, Yves Meunier, and Umma to her only grandchild, Anna Isabelle Dale-Meunier, as well as being Auntie Fran to her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Al Williams of Coquitlam, BC and former husband, Donald Dale of Haney, BC. She had five sisters: Annie, Helen, Bea, Lily and Gladys, two brothers: Sam and Bill, an adopted brother, Harold – all predeceased, as well as their spouses. She is the last of her generation. She has chosen to be cremated and rejoined with her beloved Al. There will be no service at this time; rather, family and friends will gather later to remember and honour this remarkable, spirited woman. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rosedale Hospice in Memory of Frances Williams #900, 833 – 4 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3T5 Telephone: (403) 263 – 4525. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Frances Williams, 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.