FRANCES ANNIE JONES

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FRANCES ANNIE JONES It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Amma / Grandma and Lang Amma, Frances Annie Jones, who left us peacefully on November 3, 2005. Mom was born at Otto, MB, on August 27, 1916, to Walter and Haldora Hirst and she grew up at Oak Point. She was very young when she left home and went to work to help her family. At a later age, Mom's work took her to Riverton, MB, to provide help at her brother Gordon's home and later at his lumber camp. This was where our dad Helgi Jones from Hecla Island, laid eyes on her and was totally smitten. The rest, as they say, is history. They were married on March 21, 1942, in a double wedding ceremony with Dad's brother Binnie and his bride Kristjana. Thus began an incredible journey and a loving, steadfast relationship which lasted until our dad passed away January 2, 2000. Their love and devotion to each other was an inspiration to all of us. Mom and Dad made their home on Hecla Island, where they lived most of their married life. They moved from Hecla to Riverton in 1970, after selling their home to the Province for the development of the Provincial Park. From Riverton, they moved to Gimli where they resided for 23 years. In 1998, they moved to Winnipeg to an apartment at Meadowood Manor where Mom continued to live, until recently, when she moved into personal care. It was thanks to our sister Marjorie that Mom was able to stay in her apartment as long as she did. When Mom's health started to fail, Marjorie made sure her needs were taken care of, paying bills, shopping for groceries, medication etc. Our family is truly grateful to Marjorie for her loving care of Mom. Mom will be sadly missed by her loving children, Patricia Bjornson, Allan (Betty), Marjorie (Bob) Henry, Stuart (Mugs) and Murray (Marg). She leaves, also, her much-loved grandchildren, Harold, Timothy (Janice), Stephen (Tara), Alanna (Gaetan), Bradley, Amber (Joe), Lori (Don), Lisa, Kori (Dean), Kelly (Dan), Shari (Brad); and five great-grandsons, Patrick, Brandon, Deven, Evan and Dylan. She leaves to mourn, also, her brothers, Frank (Olive) Hirst and Jim (Grace) Hirst; her sisters, Evelyn Nelson and Shirley Domenco; her sisters-in-law, Kristjana Jones and Edith Jones; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by our dad and by her beloved son-in-law Hallthor Bjornson; her parents, Dora and Walter Hirst; her brother Gordon; and her sisters, Maggie Henry and Kaye Keating as well as many members of Dad's family. As a young wife, Mom quickly settled in to a busy life in a new community. With five kids in a short time, a household to run, gardening, barn chores etc., she didn't have much leisure time. She mentioned often, however, how much she appreciated her in-laws, our Amma and Afi Jones, who were always there for her if she did want to go to a dance or some other gathering. With them, she always felt that her five little treasures were safe and in good hands. Mom always worked extremely hard and as Dad's work often took him away from home for extended periods, it fell on her to keep the home fires burning. Mom worked tirelessly with Dad in their tourist operation Gull Harbour Lodge offering services to the travelling public. VELKOMIN was their trademark and their warm, friendly Icelandic hospitality put Gull Harbour and Hecla Island on the map. Their years at Gull Harbour were especially rewarding in that they made friends from far and wide who have continued to stay in touch. At Hecla, she was a member of the Ladies Aid Undina and the Knit-a-Bit Club. She and Dad were both members of the Help-in-Emergency Club and belonged to the Lutheran Church. Later, she became a member of the Eastern Star , Selkirk Chapter No. 35. Honesty and truth were cornerstones of our home and Mom and Dad taught by example. Mom had a quiet, gentle strength which we all relied on and she was fiercely protective and proud of her family. She and Dad always stressed upon us the importance of family unity and loyalty and sticking together . She was known for her kindness and hospitable nature and she went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome in her home, opening her heart and her doors to many. The coffee was always on and you'd rarely catch her without goodies on the table. To the end, Mom's concern for us kids and our families was foremost. Her first question was always, Is everybody fine? She was always there for us and we are going to miss her terribly. We all loved her so much and we thank God for her life. A service of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, November 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Gilbart's Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB with Pastor Ed Hamm officiating. A private family interment of ashes will take place at a later date. Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Meadowood and the home care staff for their kindness to our mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meadowood Manor or a charity of your choice. Rest in peace. Goda nott. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2005