FRANCES (FRAN) TELFORD

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FRANCES (FRAN) TELFORD Fran Telford passed away December 20, 2006, at the Riverview Health Centre after a very brief but determined battle with kidney cancer. Fran was predeceased by her father George Telford, in 1991, and baby son, Paul Thomas, in 1996. She is survived by her husband, Jack Kettler and her beloved children, Amanda, Kirsten and George Kettler. She is also survived by her mother Margaret; sister Colleen (and her husband Mark Monfette, nephews, Eric and Simon); sister Etta (and her husband Gary Minsky). She leaves to mourn cousin, Gertrude McDonald of Shoal Lake; mother-in-law Margaret Kettler; brother-in-law Tony Kettler; nephew Evan and Janine Wilson, mother of Evan. Fran grew up in Shoal Lake, MB, and then attended the University of Winnipeg. During her time at Sparling Hall university residence, she met a group of women, known affectionately as the Sparling Darlings , who would become her lifelong friends and who supported her with kindness, dedication and love during her journey with cancer. After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree, Fran went on to receive her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba. She was a capable and well respected member of the legal community and focused her talents on family law. Most recently she practiced with the firm of Loewen and Martens. Even though the focus of Fran's life was her family, she shared her enthusiasm, keen intellect and organizational talents with a variety of organizations throughout her life. She was a member of the Canadian and Manitoba Bar Associations, most recently, she was an active member of her church as a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Worship and Christian Education Committees. Fran participated in a variety of volunteer activities at her childrens' schools and was a strong advocate for the French Immersion program. Fran was also an enthusiastic participant in her childrens' athletic activities, taking on roles on their hockey and soccer teams, as well as the Summit Ski Club. In the past few years, Fran became an accomplished skier and was surprised and proud to be a Gold Medalist in the Master Ski Program. If there is a good ski hill in heaven, Fran will be carving the slopes! Fran will be mourned forever by the hundreds of lives she touched with her generosity of spirit, love of life and selfless dedication to her family, her friends and her community. Small in stature, she had a heart the size of Everest and a will and determination that surmounted all obstacles. In her final days, Fran would often bid goodbye, then add I love you . As you smile down upon us Fran we look up and say, We love you too! The family would like to thank to all those who sent food, flowers and kind wishes in the past few months. A special thanks to the Sparling Darlings , Cathy Danyluk and Nancy Richards. The family would also like to thank the staff on H3 at Health Sciences Centre, E3 at Riverview Health Centre and doctors, Sathya, Czaykowski and Berrington for their care. A Celebration of Fran's life will be held Friday, December 22 at 5:00 p.m. at John Black United Church, 898 Henderson Hwy. Reception to follow. Interment has already taken place. Donations in Fran's memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2006