1942 - 2020
Frances Anita Nielsen passed away at home surrounded by family on August 24th, 2020 at the age of 78 years. Fran will be lovingly remembered by husband and best friend Mel; children Loran (Danyle), Theresa (Lloyd), Melanie (Gerry), Amanda (Jack), Matt (Tracey); grandchildren Kyle (Kirsten), Ryland (Tannis), Jordis, Steven, Cassandra (Zac), Alex, Gallen, Courtney, Candace, Zach, Adam (Alex), Quinn (Justine), Ashley (Sean), Carter, Harlow, Carson (Heather), Ben, Jesse, Dallas (Audra), Bryce (Brittney); great grandchildren Emma, Jayden, Frankee, Walker, Andi, Arthur, Casey, Summer, Levi & Denver; brother Gordon; numerous cousins, nieces/nephews and extended family members.
Fran was predeceased by her parents, Clarence & Irene Wren, and sister Carol-Ann. Fran was born in Red Deer and grew up in the Crammond community. She stayed with Uncle Charlie & Auntie Wilma Dezall to start school in Caroline, rode bikes & horses with Gordon from home at the Raven Fish Hatchery to attend the old Crammond School, and ended up finishing high school back in Caroline. After graduation, she moved to Grandma Dezall’s in Innisfail with Florence Miller to work at the bank.
Life would take her back to Crammond where she would spend 20 years farming and raising two children. Fran’s path then took her into Caroline, where she built a successful career in real estate and held two full terms on Town Council. Fran would finally make Sundre her home, and together with Mel, they built Sundre Mobile Estates. Fran was a community pillar, a long-time member of the Crammond Ladies Club and driver for Meals on Wheels.
Fran & Mel enjoyed 25 years of snowbirding to Needles CA, Mohave Valley & Oatman AZ, where she frequented yard sales, bingos at the Riverside Casino & church potlucks with friends and visitors. Vacations took them to Mexico, Costa Rica & Belize, but Hawaii was Fran’s favorite because of the fresh fruit. This epitomizes Fran because she found joy everywhere… eating a juicy strawberry, finishing a crossword or jigsaw puzzle, watching ducks in the creek or fawns playing on the grass (even when they ate her flowers). Always a fierce competitor, Fran enjoyed playing sports (esp. fastball, slopitch, curling & volleyball), and card games. She was also a loyal fan with a seat at every rodeo, rink, gymnasium, dance recital, karate studio, gymkana, and ball diamond where a loved one was involved, as it was the people in Fran’s life that were her priority. She was selflessly dedicated to all of her family, whether members by nature or by nurture.
Her love and commitment knew no bounds, from giving a comforting hug to hosting housefuls with Mel, from attending every occasion to never forgetting a birthday. “Gramma Fran” could not only be counted on for birthday cards, cakes and balloons, but for making her grandchildren feel that they each had a special place in her heart every day of the year. Fran did everything whole-heartedly, all-in, and with a relentless, get it done and do it right attitude. She expected nothing but the best from herself, and delivered, in all areas of her life. Her quick wit and easy laugh will be so dearly missed. Internment was held at the Raven Cemetery for immediate family members. A celebration of life will be held at a later date TBA. Memorial donations can be made to Sundre Hospital Palliative Care. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds, entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610. Condolences may be left for the family and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
