Obituaries

 

Frances Ann Clarke

Passed 11/09/2024

Text:

Obituary For Frances Ann Clarke

Frances A. [Fran] Clarke, 73, passed away peacefully at home, on Saturday November 9, 2024, surrounded by her family. She had finally succumbed to her five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Her family was the centre of her universe, husband Jim for over 52 years, her children Jay (Paula-wife) and Sarah and her cherished grandchildren, James, Emma, Morgan, and Sophie. As well, she will be mourned by a multitude of lifelong friends whom she counted as part of the family.

Fran graduated from the Halifax Infirmary in the early seventies and began a rewarding career as a registered nurse a role that embodied her caring spirit. In the early eighties she transitioned into real estate to support her family and to put her husband through law school. Fran always believed in strong family values, and it was during this time of working two jobs, Jim’s school and the kids very busy schedule she made sure of having the traditional family supper every Sunday night. This tradition carried on over the years with Jay and Sarah having families of their own. Whether it was homemade Lasagna, Roast Beef, or Turkey Dinner, birthdays and seasonal celebrations were a cornerstone for her and the family. Her homemade Ceasar salad, Oyster Rockefeller and wontons were favorites and her specialities. As an enthusiastic Nana, she rarely missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren by attending dance competitions or hockey games and when unable due to her illness, she would livestream the action on her computer.

During the summer months, Fran would enjoy an afternoon or early evening cruise around the lake on the pontoon boat while Jim tried to catch a fish. Outside of work and family she enjoyed sailing and a round or two of golf with friends. She enjoyed travelling, meeting new people, and soaking up the culture in the places she visited. Besides her annual mecca to Phoenix to visit her BFF, her favorite places were Spain and Italy. In her final year, she managed to fit in Phoenix, a river cruise on the Rhine and then travelled to Rome and onto Ortona for the 80th Remembrance Day Ceremony for the Battle of Ortona.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the surgical and oncology teams in particular, Dr. Stephine Hiebert and Dr. Ravi Ramijensingh, the Palliative Care team and EHS paramedics whose compassion and dedication ensured that Fran’s wishes were honoured. In addition, a very special thanks to her family practitioner, Dr. Jason Fong who was always there whenever she needed him.

She was predeceased by her parents M. Clare and Frank R. Morgan, her brother Hugh and grandson Daniel J. Clarke.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society Foundation for pancreatic cancer research or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2025, honouring her remarkable life, and the love, strength, and joy she leaves behind.

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Condolences

  • 12/03/2024

    I have had the pleasure of knowing Fran since high school. We spent many days and nights going to dances, the "pizza joint", and drinking Black Russians with her Mom. Fran and her family were very extending and mine as well, so it was my house or her house for meals and overnights. While I was in University and Fran in Nursing School, she met the love of her life (Jim) and left on postings for a number of years, eventually moving back to Dartmouth. While we didn't see each other often, when we did, it was always reminiscing and lots of laughter. There was a time in my life that was very difficult and Fran was there for me and helped me tremendously. She will never be forgotten and always treasured.

  • 11/28/2024

    Dear Jim, Please accept my condolences on Fran's passing. I remember her as a lovely and kind person. May she rest in peace. Martin Herschorn

  • 11/26/2024

    The Clarks and the Connors are neighbours. Fran and Jim have been a long term presence in the neighbourhood. Glenda and I got to know them from their chats while taking walks along Braemar Drive and from their outings on the lake. Fran - You will be missed. Rest in peace. Glenda and Peter Connor

  • 11/16/2024

    Over 50 years of great memories,long conversations, innumerable fantastic meals, and so much more. Her brave 5 year fight against pancreatic cancer was beyond impressive. Not once did I hear the poor me's, but asking how other people were doing. Gloria and I send our deepest condolences to Jim, Sara, Jay and grandchildren. She will be badly missed.

  • 11/16/2024

    Jim and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May cherished memories keep her close. Thinking of you at this sad time. Denise Smith

  • 11/15/2024

    Jim and family, we are sincerely sorry to hear about the passing of Fran! You both have made us feel like old friends from the moment you met us. Sending prayers and hugs to your family at this difficult time.

  • 11/15/2024

    So sadden to hear Frances has passed away, She was such a wonderful and amazing women, Glad I was able to spend time with her and Jim, I always enjoyed my visits, they alway made you feel like family. Heaven has gain another Angel, Rest easy my friend, your memory and spirt will live on.

  • 11/15/2024

    For Jim and Fran's entire family, I was so very sorry to hear of Fran's passing. She put up a good fight! The memories you have to cherish will bring you strength during this period of morning. My deepest sympathy, Pat Jackson

  • 11/15/2024

    We send you our sincere sympathies in this time of loss. May God give you courage and strength. John and Annette Boudreau

Tributes

  • 2 TREES

    Bruce Albert Smith planted 2 trees in memory of Frances Ann Clarke . - 11/18/2024

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