FRANCES M. TROTT

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FRANCES M. TROTT

Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Frances, on January 18, 2026. Frances passed peacefully with her daughter by her side one week before her 97th birthday. She lived a remarkable life, a gentle spirit filled with grace, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.

Predeceased by husband Howard (Howie) and son Murray, Frances (Fran) leaves behind daughter Arlene Wilgosh (Bernie), granddaughter Lauren, daughter-in-law Eileen Trott, grandson Kelsey Trott (Shelby), granddaughter Kaylan Beckley (Robert), great-grandchildren Makiya, Damon, Madelynn and stepgreat-grandchildren Kaia, Brayden, Brielle, Narah and Lane. She will also be missed by nieces and nephews and many family friends. Frances loved animals including her grand puppies, Tina, Maggie and Rocky.

Born in Minnedosa to John and Sarah Witter, Fran's early years were spent on the family farm in the Lorndale District. After graduating high school, she worked in Minnedosa. She met Howard at a dance where he was playing in the orchestra, and he spotted her on the dance floor. They married in 1949 and farmed in the Moline District on the Trott family farm. Howard and Frances were enterprising souls, always interested in new opportunities. This included a move to Rapid City, purchasing a general store and café, followed by moving to Minnedosa and purchasing the local General Motors dealership. They then moved to Winnipeg in the 1980's where Fran was an assistant coordinator of Volunteer Services at the Victoria General Hospital. In 1992, Fran and Howie moved back to Minnedosa to enjoy retirement.

Frances was an avid curler and bowler. She enjoyed reading and gardening and growing violets. She enjoyed going throughout the year to Arlene and Bernie's cottage on Lake of Woods. Fran and Howie thoroughly enjoyed road trips travelling throughout Canada and the USA. They often would take short "Sunday drives" to see the countryside.

For the last decade, Fran resided in Winnipeg to be close to her daughter as her health was declining, then moved to Golden Door Geriatric Center for the last two and half years. The family wishes to express their sincere and deep appreciation for the compassionate care Frances received during her stay there. She enjoyed teasing the staff and always had a smile or little joke to share with them. She made new friends there and family appreciates the kindness shown by Pat and Gerry, Gail and Kristine, and Joan.

It didn't matter where Fran resided or who she encountered, she had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people smile. She always had a presence about her that made others feel comfortable.

We will gather to honour her life, sharing stories and memories that will keep her spirit alive in our hearts. Rest in peace, Mom—you will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

As published in Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2026