Obituary of Frances (Fran) Irene JOHNSON (nee Smibert)

April 23, 1928 – Middlesex, Ontario
January 14, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Fran Johnson on Thursday, January 14, 2021.  Mom’s goal was to live to be 93 (her grandmother’s age) and she was just three months shy of her goal.

Mom was the third oldest of six children born to John and Mary Smibert in Middlesex, ON.  Fran and her four brothers and one sister grew up on a farm.

Mom was a bright, determined, strong willed woman.  She was always ready to open her home to family and to lend a helping hand.  She was known for her expertise in making air buns and fruitcake.  Fran’s biggest accomplishment was her prowess as a seamstress, which she learned at the knee of her grandmother.  Whether it was a last minute outfit for a New Year’s party, a jacket to wear on a school trip, or a wedding dress, she always excelled.

While working at the CN Credit Union in Edmonton, AB, Fran met Harry Johnson.  They married in 1979.  Mom and Harry enjoyed travelling: to Ontario, the East Coast, BC, Alaska and Great Britain.  Mom always travelled outbound to England with an empty suitcase and returned with it full of fabric to stitch new creations.  Fran and Harry enjoyed lawn bowling and dancing, especially to the music of the Emeralds.

Mom is survived by her son Larry Cooper of Sherwood Park, AB; her daughters, Dianne (Roy) Ponte and Barbara Cooper (Ralph Clark); her grandchildren, Alan Cooper (Nikki) of Strathmore, AB, Rick Warman (Daneen) of Cold Lake, AB, and Teresa (Bill) Benjamin of Edmonton, AB; her great-grandchildren, Kyle (Lisa) Warman of Black Diamond, AB, Randi (Edward) Apolonio of Edmonton, Cody (Jenni) Warman of Cold Lake, AB, James (Becca) Benjamin of Edmonton, AB, Evangelina Cooper, and Cameron (Daisy and daughter Lily) Benjamin of Edmonton, AB; as well as her first great-great-grandchild Deegan Warman, with three more on the way; five step-grandchildren; twelve step-great-grandchildren; and three step-great-great-grandchildren.

Fran is also survived by her sister Jean (Morris) Davidson, her sister-in-law Linda Smibert, her husband Harry’s children and grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Harry, her daughter-in-law Marlene Cooper, her grandson Colin Cooper, and her brothers, Arnold Smibert, Gord Smibert, Harold Smibert and John Smibert.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Fran’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to express our thanks to the staff at Prince of Peace Seniors’ Residence where Mom lived for the past five years.  We are also very grateful to the staff at the Chinook Hospice for the care they provided during her final days.

In living memory of Frances Johnson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.