Well, it's been a year since Frances, "Mom" passed. The void left is and always will be huge. You see, she wasn't only our grandmother, but when her daughter, our mother Yvonne passed away when we were very young, Mom embraced us and kept our world from falling apart. Throughout our lives, she never failed to love, advise and provide a constant source of family. "Home" was always where Mom was. It was River Bourgeois while she was with us and now it's the special place in our hearts where we go when we think, remember and give thanks for her memory. Thanks Mom, we love you and may you rest in peace. Say Hi to Mum and Leo.

We want to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Elaine & Art & Family Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time..Your mom was a very special lady & we enjoyed our visits when ever she came to Calgary..

ELAINE AND ESTELLE AND FAMILIES MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCE IN THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM , SHE HAD A HEART OF GOLD AND REMEMBER HER IN SCHOOL DAYS AND ALWAYS LOVE TO HAVE A CHAT WITH HER ON MY TRIPS HOME IF WE MET ANY WHERE IN TOWN.SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE , SHE WAS SURE SOME ONE TO BE PROUD OF AND THE JOY OF HAVING HER IN YOUR LIFE SO LONG. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW. MARG HILTZ

Dear Elaine and Estelle: So sorry to read about your Mom's passing. You were truly blessed to have such a positive and loving Mother to guide you through life. I will always remember her passion for walking-one she shared with Leo, her paintings and her genuine interest in what one was doing whatever we talked. She was one-of-a-kind (though they seem to make quite a few of them from the River).

Elaine I want to express my sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your mother. I can see what a great lady she was from reading her obituary. Sincerely, Claire Pothier

Hi Estelle & Elaine & Families. Your Mom was my teacher when I started school in the old school at the lower end of the River. Of all the teachers I had over the years, she was always my favourite teacher and a truly interesting person. Her presence in this world will be missed. Nikki

Almost sixty years ago, I began my very first day of school in Frances' classroom.

Frances was my teacher for two years, beginning with "Primary" level from Sept to Jan.

After Christmas holidays she promoted me to Grade 1, because I was then able to read fluently from the "Grade 1 reader". She had told me just before the holidays began, if my reading ability continued, she would do this. This was more exciting then the prospect of Santa arriving. I continued in Frances' class the following year for Grade 2. Following the end of the school day, I often walked home with Frances. She would often ask me about Grandma Grace, who made her home with us. Frances told me stories about my grandmother's involvement in the church and in the community. It was Frances who told me Grandma had been a teacher in her very early adult years. No family member including Grandma had ever told me this. Frances had a deep, rich sense of History, and shared many stories and events with her young students. My "early" school days will always remain memorable...thanks to Frances.

Dear Elaine, Estelle and families. My deepest sympathy on the death of your Mom. She was a very special person to me. I have many fond memories of her in and out of the classroom. Love & prayers....Mary Morrison

Elaine,Estelle & families margaret and i offer our deepest condolences for the loss of your mom,she was a wonderful teacher.I had her at the old school down the end of the river as well as the stella maris school on the church point.I also enjoyed going to your place on halloween she made a nice cake for us.your mother will be deeply miss by me.

Hi Elaine , Estelle & families .. We wish to express our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom . She was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed by many . Sincerely , John & Audrey

Elaine And Estelle and families, Terry and I wish to express our sincere condolences on the death of your mother Frances. Terry remembers her fondly as his Grade 2 teacher. She was a special lady who welcomed me as a beginning teacher to the staff of the River Bourgeois School in 1966. She was a classy lady ; always dressed impeccably. Frances was fun to work with and made a lasting impression on me. I was so happy to have had a long conversation with her last August while I was in Cape Breton for a visit. God Bless her. Annette and Terry

Dear Elaine and Estelle, My condolences to you on the passing of your mom. I never had her as a teacher but am sure a lot of her students will remember her fondly. I would speak to her when I was visiting mom at the villa, your mom was always interested in people. My sympathy to you all. Anita