FRANCES CHASE

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FRANCES CHASE Fran Chase, as she is better known to her family and her many, many friends and acquaintances, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2008 at the age of 90 years. Predeceased by her father, Hilary, mother, Catherine, her husband, Art, brother, Jim, and sister, Mary, Fran leaves to celebrate her life sons Hilary and Dan, grandson Alex, brother Mike, daughter-in-law, Wilma, and several nieces and nephews as well as innumerable close friends. Fran will be remembered best as a hard working, good natured woman who put the needs of others before her own. Always willing to accept a challenge, Fran raised her two boys alone when she and Art separated during the boys' teen years. To support her family, she had to work long, hard hours as a cook in Winnipeg hotels. She also traveled to the North West Territories to cook for fishermen. Fran took pride in working hard to raise her two boys and in instilling that work ethic in her sons. It gave her great pleasure to see her younger son, Dan, succeed as an entertainer and businessman in Winnipeg. She was also pleased to see her elder son, Hilary, have a satisfying career as a public school teacher and part time musician. Giving her even more pleasure were the many close friendships she maintained throughout her life, such as the ones she had with Carol, Lorraine M., Lorraine H., Vi, Kay and Martha and Jack. Two of the lifelong, treasured relationships she had were with Abe and Jeanne Allan, and the more recent friendship with Bill and Jean Forrester. Inasmuch as friends and family were of utmost importance to Fran, her greatest joy was spending time with her only grandson, Alex. She could listen to him talk about his life and interests for hours, never losing focus on his stories. Fran loved to laugh and share amusing stories with all. Fran loved her family and her friends. She loved her pets. She loved to cook and loved to garden. Most recently, the people with whom she spent most of her time were the wonderful staff members at Golden West Lodge. Fran's family would especially like to thank Golden West's staff for the excellent care Fran received there. At Fran's request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Golden West Centennial Lodge, 811 School Road on Wednesday, May 14 at 4:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the same if so desired. Knysh Funeral Chapel is in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2008