Frances Allen, 83, died peacefully on April 21, 2018 in Brossard, Quebec. This was the first day of glorious spring sunshine that we have seen this year – a perfect day for a journey. Fran was very much at peace with dying. She was unafraid, spiritual in a very personal way, grateful, incorrigibly positive and full of advice to the end – a role model for the whole family.

Fran was born into a family of writers on August 8, 1934 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the daughter of the late Ralph Marven of Alma, New Brunswick and Souris, Prince Edward Island and Ruth Simpson of Red Deer, Alberta.

Fran grew up in Halifax and Hull, Quebec, where she attended Lisgar Collegiate Institute. Her family moved to Montreal in her teens. Fran attended McGill University, where she was awarded a B.A. (English) in 1955. She and Don met at McGill and were married in June 1955 at the McGill University Chapel. They went on to live in Montreal, Chibougamau, Arvida, Piscataway, Truro, Iqaluit, Coral Harbour, Verdun and Brossard. Fran was an avid volunteer, teaching French in elementary schools before it was part of the curriculum, serving as President of the Nova Scotia University Women’s Club and an active member of the IODE, teaching Sunday school, serving as a Brownies leader, organizing book sales, cheering up patients at the Centre Saint-Lambert, editing manuscripts, and serving as unofficial artistic director at the St. Lambert Seniors' Centre model train club.

Her adventures in northern communities showed Frances the rewards of teaching adult education and how to avoid the unwanted attention of caribou. She loved art, music, history, French and Spanish and read widely on these and other topics. Her family was her greatest joy and she travelled with great curiosity throughout Canada and around the world to visit her children. Her chocolate fudge was legendary.

Fran will be sadly missed by her husband of 62 years, Don; her children Nigel Allen of Toronto, Laura Ashton (and Martin) of Singapore, Elizabeth Seamone (and Brian) of Toronto, and Rosalie Allen Jarvis (and Peter) of Ottawa; beloved grandchildren Andrew and Olivia Seamone, and Amelia and Philippa Jarvis; brother Alan Marven (and Boonserm); Sandra, Tobie and Sean Marven; and good friends from St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and St. Lambert Seniors' Centre, all of whom retain wonderful memories of her cheery, loving and generous spirit.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Centre Champlain palliative care facility and Lise Girard (CLSC) for their exceptional kindness and care during her final months. Special thanks to the Reverend Dr. Barry and Mrs. Anita Mack.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church at 496 Birch Avenue, St. Lambert, Quebec on Saturday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. A private graveside ceremony will be held at Mount Royal Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Frances’ name to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

We welcome your comments in the online Guestbook, on the tab at the top of this page. Please also enjoy the happy pictures that the family has included in the Photos section. Thanks.