FRANCES SELENA RADIANCE BOTHAM

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FRANCES SELENA RADIANCE BOTHAM (nee SMITH) July 26, 1920 - October 24, 2016 It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Fran's passing on October 24, 2016. After 96 years of love and laughter, the heart of her gentle soul has failed. Fran was predeceased by her husband Alan. She is survived by her five children: Patricia (Brian) Jones of Okotoks, Margaret (Sandy) Farrell of Ottawa, Joan (Malcolm), Linda (Lauri) Alto of Winnipeg, and Robert (Moira) of Calgary. Fran's legacy includes 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with another two on the way. Fran grew up in Montreal where she met the love of her life, Alan Botham, at the early age of 14. Al joined the Air Force in the Second World War, which led to a quiet wedding just before he was posted overseas. When Al returned from the war, their family started with a surprise - twin girls instead of the big bouncing baby boy they were told to expect; however, after two more daughters, they did get that boy the doctor promised. After bringing up their family in Montreal and seeing the birth of their first grandchildren, Al and Fran were transferred to Winnipeg by Canadian Bronze in 1973. Although it was at first difficult to leave behind family in Montreal, they made many new friends in Winnipeg. Starting with the Newcomers group and then continuing with New Plus 2, the early get-togethers made many lasting friendships. Fran's positive outlook and true interest in people made it easy for her to make friends wherever she went. Fran truly delighted in her family. To get to know her distant grandchildren, she invited each of them for an extended summer vacation when they turned eleven. Often these vacations started or ended with several of our family groups congregating in camping spots. The Chutes, Cavendish Beach, Rushing River and Falcon Lake hold special memories for us. Fran was quick to learn and showed great capacity for change, even returning to work after a 30 year hiatus. She particularly liked working at the Bay's Winnipeg distribution center in the late 1970s. Fran's spirit and energy were evident as she faced the challenges of life after the death of her beloved Alan in 1995. The family marveled as Fran took to computers and email in her 80's. She just so enjoyed keeping in touch with everyone. Fran loved to travel. Even after Al died, she continued to show her adventurous spirit, travelling across Canada and the United States, to Europe, Mexico, Ireland, Australia and cruising to Alaska and up the East Coast. When it came to travel, she was up for anything, anytime. A devoted 'mom', 'nan' and 'super-nan', Fran loved visiting her family. On her 95th birthday, a surprise reunion was held at Falcon Lake. Surrounded by forty-two members of the family, she was feted and celebrated, but we still couldn't come close to expressing what she meant to each of us. Much to our sadness, Fran's trip to see family out West last Christmas was to be her last. Fran's health changed early this year. Illness led to an extended stay at Misericordia Interim Care. Her family would like to express their great appreciation for the care and compassion of all the staff on Cornish 5 and to each of her personal caregivers. We have lost a kind and gentle mother. Few people share her selfless spirit. She always wanted what you wanted; to share your need. Our loss is great. We will miss her. Fran's funeral service will be held 10 am Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, with a reception to follow. We invite you to come and share memories of this quietly remarkable woman. In lieu of flowers and to celebrate her love of animals, please consider a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society in Fran's name. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2016