Obituary of Frances Anne Longley

September 21, 1929 – Elmsley South, Leeds County, Ontario

November 8, 2024 – Calgary Alberta

Frances “Fran” Longley (Hannah) nee Wood of Calgary, AB, left us peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the age of 95 years to be with her Lord. 

Fran is survived by her loving family, her husband Bruce, her children, Dan and Kim (Stephen); her stepchildren Susan, Gord (Mila), and Chris (deceased); her granddaughter Kendra (Nick), and sweet great-grandson Kai, whose presence added an extra twinkle in her eye in her last years.

Fran was born in Elmsley South, Leeds County, ON, on September 21, 1929, to Cecil and Kathleen Wood, and grew up in Rideau Ferry, ON. She cherished her (now deceased) siblings, Don, Jim, Bill, and Elizabeth, and held fond memories of her many nieces and nephews. Fran was a dedicated mother to Dan and Kim, whom she raised with her husband in Navan, ON, and then Bass Lake, ON.

In 1979, Fran was beckoned by the Rocky Mountains. Even in her final weeks of life, she recalled the journey west in her blue Malibu “Ozzie” with her 79-year-old mother and her dear friend Joan Longpre riding shotgun. Fran and her mom made their new home in Calgary where her brother Bill and sister Betty also resided.

A few years later, Fran met and married the love of her life, Bruce. Their 38-year marriage of deep friendship, laughter, and adventure was the envy of all who crossed their path.

Fran opened Frandors Fashions in 1983, where she blended her passions for fashion with seniors-in-care. She mixed hard work with good fun, making close friends along the way. Frandors became a great success and was sold in 1995.

Fran’s beautiful scrapbooks reflect the many years of love and laughter she and Bruce shared with the important people in their lives. They also highlight their many snowbird trips to Lake Havasu, as well as Puerto Rico, and Japan. Fran will be lovingly remembered for her steadfast faith and love for family, friends, and their church family at First Alliance Church; for her resiliency and determination; and her youthful spirit and never-ending enthusiasm for fun and games.

Bruce and family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sharma, the staff at Southwood Care Centre, and especially to Fran’s dear friend and caregiver, Fay Wilson.

A Celebration of Fran’s Life will be held at First Alliance Church Deerfoot (12345 40 St SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Mustard Seed, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Fran’s family here.

In living memory of Frances "Fran" Longley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.