February 2, 2019
Frances Mary Petrunia (nee MacDonell) died on February 2, 2019 with the consolation of her family present, the assurance of God's love, and the compassionate care of Chilliwack General Hospital's 3North staff.
Frances was born in Williamstown, Ontario in 1924 to Angus and Isobel MacDonell (MacDougall). She retained the tenacious spirit of the Highland Scot all her life.
Frances was of the generation that went to war. She left farm life to work in Montreal where she met Naval husband, Peter Petrunia, marrying in 1945. After the war, Prince George, a frontier town of opportunity, was home. Their children, Peter John and Shelley were born there.
Frances worked in retail where she demonstrated her hard work ethic, humour and team work. She developed an expertise for antiques and loved the pursuit of treasures.
Hospitality graced Frances' home. She was generous and many a cousin remembers "Auntie Frances' pies". Wherever her family or friends roamed, there was always a home of place, heart and hearth with Frances. She loved her children, grandchildren Sean and Kevin, great-grandchildren-Aryl and Eva, and those she adopted in her heart. She was celebrated as "Fran-Fran" and "Frances Lady" by the young. She is survived by her daughter, Shelley (Dave Clarke), her sister, Sr. Doris OLM, loved nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-laws.
St. Mary's Parish, Chilliwack will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 9th at 2:30 followed by reception.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Chilliwack's Ruth and Naomi's or to Ann Davis House. The day before mom was stricken, she discussed homelessness and her wish to be part of making a home for others. Hospitality graced her life to its end.
We are profoundly grateful for the exemplary and compassionate care of Dr. John Chow and the team of Chilliwack General Hospital's 3N staff.
"May every mark of affection and every gesture of friendship that you give to others be a sign of God's peace for you."