Frances CRAM

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CRAM: Frances Alfreda Cram, 87, passed away peacefully at the BRHC on Saturday, May 2, 2009 following a brief illness. Fran was born in Brandon on June 21, 1921 to parents Harvey Alfred (Honey) and Mabel Ruth (Doll) Cochlan. She was a little sister to Gladys. The Cochlan family moved to Winnipeg for a few years and then to Morden in 1932, when Fran (Frankie to her family at the time) was in the seventh grade. Her father was the manager then eventually the owner of the Cochlan’s General Store. Between ninth and tenth grades she met Wally Cram, the love of her life. Fran was awarded the Governor General’s Award at her high school graduation and she then entered the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Commerce. In 1943 she was one of only two female Commerce graduates. Fran began work in Winnipeg for the Federal Income Tax Department and continued until Wally returned from overseas. They were married on June 10, 1944 in Morden and moved to Toronto where Wally began university and Fran continued working for the Federal Government. After Wally’s graduation from the U of T’s Optometric School in 1949, they moved to Neepawa to start the next phase of their lives. Daughter Colleen was born in 1951, Jack followed in 1954, and David arrived in 1960. During those years Fran worked part time in the local accounting office. She spent countless hours volunteering on several boards and service groups including the Neepawa UCW, Hospital Auxiliary, the Cancer Society and where ever she was needed. Fran was a great friend to many. She enjoyed playing bridge, golfing and reading. She loved doing puzzles and games with her grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy and was especially proud of her children and grandchildren. She and Wally were truly devoted to each other and their life journey together. Fran was predeceased by Wally, her loving husband of 64 years (March 17, 2009) and her daughter Colleen (June 2004). She is survived by her sons Jack (Marina) and Dr. David (Liz) and son-in-law Ken Sommerfield; grandchildren Jason, Riley, Benjamin and Kelly Cram, Jordan, Aaron and John Cram, and Leah Sommerfield; as well as several nieces and nephews and their families. A service to celebrate Fran’s life will be held at Neepawa United Church on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 2:00 o’clock with Rev. George Cargo officiating. Private interment will have taken place. White’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. If so desired, friends may make a donation to the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation in memory of Fran. Fran’s family would like to thank all those who were involved in her and Wally’s care over the past few years, and thank all the dear friends for their support. I thought of you with love todayBut that is nothing new,I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence,I often speak your name,All I have are memoriesand your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part,God has you in His keepingI have you in my heart.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 06, 2009