FRANCES E. WICKBERG (DAVIDSON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FRANCES E. WICKBERG (nee DAVIDSON) November 13, 1920 - March 6, 2011 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Frances Evangeline Wickberg at the Grace Hospital on Sunday, March 6, 2011. Frances was born in Carberry, Manitoba where she spent her younger years. Music was an important part of her family's life. She, her brother, and her sister learned piano and singing from an early age. Later in her teens, when she and her family moved to Winnipeg, she and her sister Lucile sang together at church and public gatherings. So it was no wonder her life's love, Bert, was a musical fellow. They were married on June 21, 1947. During their many years together, Frances taught music in schools for a time. She studied and obtained her Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba and was very proud to have been awarded the Gold Medal on graduation. Then she settled into her long time career of teaching both piano and singing in her home which she carried on until the present day. Through the years she played the organ at church, and was an accompanist for her many students at the Manitoba Music Festival where one of the present day classes in the Festival awards a trophy in Frances' name. Later in her career, she enjoyed working as an adjudicator for many musical associations across Manitoba and Canada. She was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers' Association in November 1994. In September 2005, she was given her 50 year membership in this Association. She loved and supported the many fine musical groups in the city from which came many lifelong friendships that she dearly cherished. Her church was a very important part of her life, in particular, the wonderful years that she spent at St. Andrews River Heights United Church. She was predeceased by her husband Bert, her parents Vera and Frank Davidson, her brother Wilford, brothers-in-law Don Young, Vic Geisler and Ralf Wickberg. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her sister Lucile Young (Toronto) and her family Barb and Bob Baydak and daughter Kristen, Bruce and Diane Young and children Collin and Lara. Also by her sisters-in-law Helen Geisler and Pearl Wickberg (Vancouver) and her family Karen Wickberg and children Jessica and Kristen, and Cheri and Gordon Bird, and children, Jamie, Julia and Rosaline; and also by many beloved cousins. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Grace Hospital for their care and support. A special thank you is also extended to Doctor A. Schroeder for his kind assistance. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2011 with Reverend Karen Lumley officiating and Joshua Ward assisting. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to one of the music associations that meant so much to Frances. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2011