The Obituary of Frances Irene Peister
March 16, 1931 – July 21, 2021
Born in Cameron Falls, Ontario on March 16, 1931. Fran was the only child of George and Mary Strath who were among the many families posted at the Ontario Hydro hydro-electric project North of Thunder Bay.
Fran’s recollection of her early childhood in Cameron Falls included the walk to and from school with the other children “through the power plant” and spending many happy hours playing and sledding in the deep northern snow.
Fran moved with her family to Burlington where she attended high school. Upon graduation Fran resided at Macdonald Hall and studied at O.A.C. now University of Guelph. It was there that she met her husband and life-long partner Glenn Peister and graduated with her M.R.S. Glenn and Fran were married in the Trinity United Church in Burlington on March 14, 1953. The young couple established their household in Kitchener where Fran took up the challenge of raising four children while being a pillar of support for Glenn as he launched and sustained an illustrious entrepreneurial career. Fran was often assisted in the “herding” of Linda, Sue, Al and Brad by Mitzi, the tireless Shetland Sheep Dog! In spite of her best efforts, we’re left to wonder which members of that group could actually be trained….
Glenn designed and built a lovely architecturally refined home where Fran created a household filled with warmth and genial hospitality. Fran presided over many family meals, cocktail and dinner parties with friends, company parties and special functions that often required spacious tents, catered meals and dance floors. Fran was the consummate hostess at each and every event. Sunday dinners were Fran’s specialty, standing rib roasts are fondly remembered by the family.
Fran extended her warm hospitality to the many visitors who came to enjoy the activities at the Tavistock Farm where swimming, fishing, tennis, and “tennis ball golf” were some of the highlights. Wonderful meals prepared on the bar-b-q were the reward for a long day of nonsense. Fran’s favourite meal of grilled trout was a staple on the menu…..from pond to table!
Fran developed a passion for golf which led her to become a talented and competitive player, first at the Galt Country Club and then at Westmount Golf Club. Worthy of note is her pro-am win at the 1990 Du Maurier Women’s Open at Westmount with partners Glenn, son Al and team captain LPGA Champion and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Member Dawn Coe-Jones. She thoroughly enjoyed the dining and social aspects of the golf clubs in addition to her appreciation for the serenity of the fairways, which she always hit, and the greens which she never missed.
She loved the many luncheons and shopping excursions that were time well spent with a cadre of close friends. These were undoubtedly a special treat to plan from week to week.
Fran treasured the family ski vacations in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and the beautiful ski villages of Vermont. Her youngsters loved the summer trips to the cottages on Devil Lake, North of Kingston, where Fran would cook the day’s catch of bluegill and frogs’ legs! Many happy times were had playing golf with friends in Palm Springs, California and Apopka, Florida. She also had fond memories of their river boat cruise in Europe with Glenn’s siblings and spouses, Merilyn, Bob, Ray and Lynn.
Fran was active for many years in the Preston chapter of the International Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE), many times playing hostess to the festive “Jolly Holly Christmas Tour of Homes” including the beautifully decorated Peister residence. In her later years, Fran took great solace in feeding, watching and often identifying the many species of birds that came to accept her quiet friendliness. She also took intense interest in the tropical fish, crustaceans and corals inhabiting the very large salt water aquarium that became a focal point in her home.
Fran took pride in her long lasting marriage to Glenn and in the successful marriages of her children Linda (Bruce), Sue (Don), Al (Sherry) and Brad (Elaine). These unions provided Grandma Peister with 9 grandchildren: Julia (Scott), Adam (Nicole), Glenn (Brandey), Fraser (Ellianne), Robyn (Mason), Brandon (Andrea), Carly (Nick), Bree (Brett), Chelsea (Chris) and 11 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way!
Special thanks are extended to the caring and compassionate team in Emma’s Neighbourhood at The Village of University Gates in Waterloo. We know Fran became a favourite, as always. Donations can be made to the Waterloo Wellington Alzheimer’s Society in Fran’s memory. Cremation has taken place, interment at Williamsburg Cemetery will take place at a date to be determined.
The family of Fran Peister invites relatives and friends to celebrate Fran’s life on Monday, October 4, 2021 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener. Those wishing to attend must be fully vaccinated and may RSVP through the funeral home website or by phoning 519-749-8467. Covid-19 protocols will be in place.
A private interment will take place at the Williamsburg Cemetery at a later date.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Fran’s memorial and to RSVP.
Please visit www.henrywalser.com for Fran’s memorial.
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Wednesday July 21st 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Frances Irene Peister Wednesday July 21st 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Kitchener, Province: Ontario