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NORA ANNE FRANCIS (RICHARDS)
Born: Sep 22, 1936
Date of Passing: Nov 02, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
NORA ANNE FRANCIS
(nee RICHARDS)
Nora was born in Winnipeg September 22, 1936 where she attended Riverbend, Balmoral Hall, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature at University of Manitoba. She lived in London, England, Kingston, Jamaica, Detroit, Michigan, Victoria and Vancouver, BC, made many friends, and connected with all kinds of people. In her many years of successful recovery from alcohol addiction, she helped many others to do the same. It is a testament to her willpower that she stopped smoking a few years later. She had a deep love of dogs and wildlife, supporting many organizations who protected them.
She was extroverted, fun, with a sense of colour and taste. She knew so much about classical music, art and mythology, played piano beautifully and had an amazing capacity with words, writing stories and poetry throughout her life, witty and often naughty. She loved being outside and being around water.
In her last years of life, she would sit outside her building in the West End of Vancouver, visiting with people, but most keenly greeting the dogs and giving them treats. She dressed in skirts and matching jewelry. From her teen years to the end, she was imaginative in creating costumes for herself and others (safety pins and staplers). At Halloween, she dressed as a witch with a blue wig, carrying a Swiffer for a broom, and offering a choice of ginger or an onion.
She is survived by her children, Mark and Susanna (Walter), granddaughter Emma, brothers, Rob (Penny), Gord (Bonnie), Sam, and Kenton (Susan), nephews and nieces, and many beloved extended family members.
A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Fur Bearers or Covenant House.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2021
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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This truly lovely lady befriended my dog. She loved to sit outside just waiting for dogs to come and visit. She and Chloe had several visits over the years. Chloe passed in August. I hope Nora and Chloe get to see each other again. I met her daughter once, just in case she reads this. I think she was driving a red truck and thanked me for letting her mom visit with Chloe. What a lovely memory. My condolences. She likely put the sign on the tree. Thank you for that. I would have looked for her every time I passed there for a few years. - Posted by: Alex (Dog friend. ) on: Feb 06, 2022
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Dear Mark and Susanna, We will miss seeing your Mom in the West End. My brother Don and sister Colleen join me to offer our condolences. Sincerely, DGB. - Posted by: Doreen Gardner Brown (neighbour) on: Jan 01, 2022
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Our sincere condolences from Balmoral Hall School. I had the pleasure of visiting with Nora a few times in Vancouver, as Alumnae Relations Coordinator. She was the life of the party at reunions and always hilarious and warm. Young and old, everyone was keen to talk to Nora! Thinking of you, her family and friends. Such a big loss. - Posted by: Genevieve Cloutier (School) on: Nov 17, 2021