Thompson Small, Frances “Fran”, passed away at the Vulcan Extendicare March 26, 2014 at the age of 72 years.
Fran was born July 6, 1941 to Douglas and Norma McDowell. Fran attended school in Ontario, she moved to Bowness, west of Calgary for a short time then returned to Ontario where she met and married Bob Small, in Preston, Ontario. They moved to Champion in 1981 purchased the Champion General Store and operated it, until selling it in 1983. In 1985 they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Fran continued raising her family and when they were older she began working at Vulcan Extendicare were she worked until her health would no longer support her full time and she continued part time. She moved to Vulcan Peter Dawson Lodge in 2009 then to Extendicare just this month were she was cared for and loved her last days.
Fran loved her family and enjoyed watching many sporting events, while her children and grandchildren played in them.
The family would like to thank the Doctors, nurses and care aids at the Vulcan Hospital and Extendicare, as she was the first to utilize the new Palliative care room at the Extendicare.
Frances is survived by two daughters Sue (Glen) Schmeelke and Cathy (Karl) Buote, two sons James (Deidri) Small and Robert (Julie) Powers, fifteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many other welcomed in love grandchildren , a brother Douglas (Bev) McDowell of Galt, ON, and their sons Raymond and Jason, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Douglas and Norma McDowell, husband Robert “Bob” Small, six grandchildren and sister-in-law Violet (Small) Siddons.
Memorial Service March 31, 2014 at 1:30 pm at Champion Congregational Church with Pastor David Skinner officiating. Inurnment Champion Cemetery.
Tributes in Fran’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Extendicare Care Palliative Room, Box 810, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Florence , Donnie , Lovis . Larry & David would like to send our sincere condolences to Fran’s Family. She was such an important part of our lives and Mom and Dad (Don & Florence do not know what they would have done without her help with the three oldest of their children) Fran was always happy, kind and caring and we knew when she was coming to care for us that it meant we would have a great time and we all loved her greatly. Our lives and many others are much better for having her touch them. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate her life
We would like to send our sincere condolences to Fran’s Family. She was such an important part of our lives and Mom and Dad (Don & Florence do not know what they would have done without her help with the three oldest of their children) Fran was always happy, kind and caring and we knew when she was coming to care for us that it meant we would have a great time and we all loved her greatly. Our lives and many others are much better for having her touch them. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate her life
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Sorry for your loss of your Mother and Grandmother.
My heart felt sympathy goes to your family in the loss of a mother, grandmother. Always remembered by Frances’ cousin, Dorothy. We were each other’s Maid of Honor at our weddings. I always remember Frances’ sense of humor. My prayers & thoughts are with you and your family.
Sue, Cathy, James and Robert
Those we love don’t go away.
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Condolences from Doug, Bev, Jason and Raymond McDowell
To Sue, Kathy, Robert, Jim and their families.
The world has just lost a loving mother and wonderful person.
Love and prayers, Carla
Aunt Fran: I wrote your name in the sand but the waves washed it away; I wrote your name in the sky but the wind blew it away, so I wrote your name in my heart and forever it will stay. God bless. Love and prayers to Sue, Cathy-Sue, Jim and Robbie. Lori and John