Obituary of Frances Barbara Elizabeth THERRIEN

October 9, 1931 - Wilkie, Saskatchewan

March 20, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Fran, beloved wife of Henry Therrien of Calgary, AB, passed away on March 20, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

Fran was born in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan on October 9, 1931.  In 1947 she met Henry and after several years of dating, they moved to Montreal, Quebec in 1950 and were married on February 10, 1951. Family lovingly refers to Fran and Henry as the “first hippies” because they left their homes and families to follow their hearts.

In 1953, Fran and Henry returned to Goodsoil where they purchased land and attempted life as farmers.  It was during this time that their eldest son, Donald was born.  In 1954, two weeks after the birth of their son, the farm house was destroyed in a fire and they lost everything.  Fran, her mother Annie, and the baby spent the summer living in the granary while Henry left in search of work. It was then they decided that farming was not for them and moved to Calgary, Alberta.

While in Calgary, Fran gave birth to her two daughters, Janet in 1956 and Linda in 1959.  In 1960 the family moved to Lethbridge and it was there in 1962 that Roger was born.  In 1964 the family moved to the community of Lynnwood in Edmonton.  Fran made many close friends in the area and had such fond memories from those times.  Fran was an avid supporter of Little League and hockey for which her son’s played, often leading fundraising events for the teams.  She also greatly enjoyed being a Brownie and Guide Leader for her daughters.

In 1964 Fran began working at the University of Alberta in food service and went on to become the Unit Manager in the Education building. Fran loved her position with the University and remained in their employ until she retired in 1986. In 2016 Fran and Henry moved to Calgary to be close to family.

Fran was a huge believer in post-secondary education and she welcomed many of her extended family to stay at their home while they attended the University of Alberta.  Fran always believed that everyone should have a place to go at holidays, often inviting friends of family members with nowhere to go to join in the family festivities.

Fran was close to many from her extended family and visited them often.  She treasured the time she spent in Vegraville and looked forward to her trips to Goodsoil.  Many summer vacations were spent with her children and then her grandchildren in Goodsoil, singing around the campfire and swimming.

Fran’s favourite holiday was the trip she and Henry took to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary.  Fran saved and saved for their magical get away.  Their children arranged a surprise anniversary party, which was the wedding reception they never had.  Fran and Henry were genuinely surprised and greatly enjoyed their special night.

Fran and Henry later in life, spent time living in Kona, Hawaii where Henry was transferred for work.  They made wonderful friends during their time there and had many adventures.  Shortly after returning from Hawaii Henry’s work brought them to Yellowknife, NWT.  Although it was quite the culture shock having been in Hawaii, Fran greatly enjoyed their time there.

Fran’s greatest accomplishment was her family.  She loved each and every member in her own unique way.  Whether it was lending an ear when someone needed to talk, taking them in when they needed a place to stay, or being a friend with whom they could share laughs.

Fran was an avid reader and she passed her love of reading onto her children and grandchildren. Fran enjoyed painting and sewing and was very creative.  She hand-sewed Christmas stockings for every family member, their spouses and her grandchildren and lovingly filled them every year.

Fran will lovingly be remembered by her grandkids for making holidays so special, for creating traditions that are now shared with their own families, the amazing family dinners she would hold and for the love and care she showed each one of them while growing up.  They will always remember the zany things she did with them, such as howling at the moon on Halloween.

Fran’s love for Henry was endless.  The love they shared was an inspiration to all that knew her.  Fran was so very proud to have just celebrated their 69th anniversary with Henry by her side.   

In the last few years Fran took great joy in the visits from her family. Hours were spent playing cards with her great grandkids, eating cookies and chatting. Henry was by her side each and every day providing her with love and comfort.

Fran deeply touched all those who knew her.  She will always be in the hearts of those she loved.  She will always be remembered.

Fran is survived by Janet MacMillan and son-in- law Brian of Calgary, Linda Grant and son-in-law Randy of Spruce Grove, and Roger Therrien of Edmonton; Grandchildren, Francie (Bruce) Cook of Calgary, Kate Therrien of Edmonton, Brent MacMillan of Edmonton, Catherine Grant of Spruce Grove, Lindsay Therrien of Edmonton, Chainie Grant of Spruce Grove, Henry Grant of Calgary, Brandon Therrien of Edmonton, Chance Therrien of Duncan, BC, Terrace Therrien of Edmonton, and Trina Therrien of Edmonton; sister-in- law Rose Gurski of Pierce Land, SK; as well as Numerous great -grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her son Donald Therrien; brothers, John Gurski and sister-in-law Erica, Peter Gurski and sister-in-law Verna, and George Gurski, sisters, Mary Grassl and brother-in-law John and Helen Toma and brother-in-law Nick.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the Covid virus it is the wishes of the family that no service be held at this time.  Instead it is asked that friends and family share condolences, memories and photos on Fran’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Fran Therrien, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,   Telephone: 403-241-0044.