Fran completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. at the age of 64.
She was born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ont. to Frank and Lena Mehaffey, who settled there from the Maritimes. She visited the East Coast several times, and always had a love of dulse and seafood.
Fran met and married Brian O’Connell on May 1, 1959 in Sioux Lookout. There, they raised their family, Vicki (Steve) Allen of Sioux Lookout, Ont., Arlene (Murray) Georgeson of Fort Frances, Ont., and Gordon (Rachel) O’Connell of Ottawa, Ont., who are left to continue her legacy.
She also leaves her grandchildren, Brian and Bradley Boles, and Jacob O’Connell. She also was anticipating the arrival of her newest grandchild in February.
Her sister, Mary (Gord) Shurvell, held a special place in her heart; and her sisters-in-law, Helen (Lloyd) Mehaffey and Evelyn O’Connell, also were great friends. She also leaves many nieces and nephews to remember her.
Mom had a great many interests and was not afraid to try new things. Her sense of humour helped carry her through good times and bad alike. She loved to golf, and couldn’t wait for Brian to travel to Fort so she and the girls could hit the links.
She liked to bowl, and her best score was when she was pregnant. She also had just returned to the game when she moved to Fort Frances.
Although no one could call her a seamstress, Fran loved to knit and took up quilting. The friends she met with at her “Stitch and B . . .” nights were something special to her, and she always would keep them laughing with jokes and stories.
Mom was forever gardening. Either planning, planting, killing off potato beetles, or harvesting at the end of the season—it was all worth it to her.
She joined Beta Xi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi a short while ago, and enjoyed the friendships they built through caring for one another.
Fran is reunited with her parents; brother, Bob Mehaffey; mother- and father-in-law, Corine and George Brooks; brother-in-law, Pat O’Connell; and sister-in-law, Jackie Garriock.
A funeral mass took place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, with Msgr. George Bourguignon officiating. A family gathering for interment of ashes will take place at a later date.
Our family would like to thank everyone for their care and concern for Fran throughout her life, and especially those who sent special notes and words of encouragement this past year.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Tamarack House, Suite 501, 984 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 7C7.
Thank, mom, for being you!
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
