FRANCES JEAN LEES (THOMPSON)

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FRANCES JEAN LEES (nee THOMPSON) On Thursday, January 18, 2007 at the Victoria General Hospital, Frances Jean Lees passed away, at the age of 84 years, with her family at her side. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Fred, of 62 years; her four children, Ron Lees (Cynthia) of Ontario, Rob Lees (Carol) of British Columbia, Rick Lees (Helen) and Joanne Ritchie (John) of Winnipeg, her 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Frances was born on February 19, 1922 in Walpole, a remote one whistle stop town in Saskatchewan, the youngest child of Joe and Florence Thompson. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1925 and settled in a little house on Horace Street. In the dirty 30s, her dad started the family business Thompson Lumber. She, along with her older siblings, Lorne and Isabel, attended Tache School and graduated from Norwood Collegiate. Upon graduation, she became a senior camper in C.G.I.T, which became an important part of her life for many years. As a senior camper, she fell madly in love with the lifeguard (Fred), who became her husband. They honeymooned at the family cottage on Brereton Lake. The cottage provided a constant source of tranquility. Frances enjoyed the simple pleasures of morning swims, blueberry picking and watching sunsets. Always open to visitors, the cottage was the setting of many happy summers spent with family and friends. One of Frances' many passions was her lifelong love of art. In 1984 she fulfilled her dream and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the University of Manitoba at the still young age of 62! She was the founder and coordinator of the Norwood Grove Art Show and a member of the Winnipeg Sketch Club. Throughout her life she created amazing works of art which became part of her legacy. Her artistic talent can be found in the homes of many family and friends. Frances' other passion was her church. She was a lifelong member of Norwood United Church, which was the foundation of her spirituality. Lifelong friendships were established through her work with the U.C.W and Time-Out. Every day she lived her life with a servant's heart. Family and friendships were of utmost importance in Frances' life. She never stopped making new friends and cultivating new interests. She established long and meaningful friendships throughout her life. She was a thread weaving her family and friends together. Frances first and foremost lived her life passionately, with conviction, the grace of a gentle spirit and unwavering faith. She exemplified the optimism to forge ahead in the face of adversity and find lessons in the difficult times. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at St. Boniface General Hospital and Victoria General Hospital for their compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to the Sunshine Fund, 302-960 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0R4. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Mary's Road United Church, 613 St. Mary's Rd., on Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2007