Francis; Evelyn Laura
September 26, 1920 - August 29, 2015
Our beautiful, feisty Mum and Nan passed away August 29, 2015 in Chilliwack General Hospital. She did it in her own time and with her usual flair - stubborn to the end. Predeceased by her parents Ethel and William Golding of Halifax, NS and by her husband of 57 years, Jim Francis, whom she met and fell in love with when both were 12 years old. She is survived by daughters Wendy, Francis and Leslie Hurtubise (Al) and 5 grandchildren, (Scott, Laura, Mark, Jackie and Nick); and 5 great grandchildren (Emma, James, Megan, Samantha and Kyle). Laura was an only child who learned independence early in life. She was a generous, intelligent woman who held a BA from Dalhousie and later a Library Science degree from the University of Ottawa. Always a lover of books, crosswords and bridge, she believed in life-long learning but still refused to take on the intricacies of high tech). In her youth Mum took up Scottish dancing for several years and was active in a variety of sports, including sailing, yoga, tennis, curling and golf. She took a keen interest in all the tournaments on TV when she got older. Mum was also a bit of a gambler. She loved to "play the ponies" at Hastings Park and the "one armed bandits" at the casinos. She faithfully bought 6/49 tickets every week in the hope of "winning it big" one day. Mum and Dad spent four years in Germany on Dad's final military posting. From there they were able to see a great deal of Europe, enjoying all the cultural high spots. It was one of Mum's fondest memories. Upon retirement, the two of them travelled a great deal in North America, whether it was fishing and camping or following the pro golf tours. Extremely active in the Chilliwack community, our mother was a member of the Chilliwack PEO, book club, several bridge clubs and was a long time volunteer for the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary. She was also the Ladies Club captain at Chilliwack Golf and Country Club. Laura lived her life to the fullest and we are grateful to have her in our lives. She will now undoubtedly be smiling down on us as she dances in her garden in heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday October 3 at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 46048 Gore Avenue, Chilliwack. No flowers please. Donations can be made to BC Cancer, Heart and Stroke, Chilliwack PEO or the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary.