Frances Jean Grieve
May 29, 1927 – November 03, 2019
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Memorial Donation
Frances Jean Grieve (Howard / Paynter) passed away in the company of family on November 3 2019.
She was born May 29 1927 in Kinistino, Saskatchewan to Lillian Maye and Clarence Lloyd Paynter, the second of their 3 daughters. Growing up a prairie girl in the 1930’s – the importance of family, taking adversity in stride and celebrating the little things in life were fundamental to her. Despite the death of Clarence early in her childhood, stories of farm life, the feeding of threshing crews, heating rocks to take on sleigh rides, pond skating, music, barn dances, work bees and community were her primary stories.
After a year of “normal School” in Saskatoon, Fran writes that she entered her first year of teaching (1946) “like a lamb to the lion’s den”. The scene of course was one room, a wood stove, 18 students and 9 grades! The following year, the family moved from Saskatchewan to the Deep Creek valley in the Shuswap after the marriage of her mother to Ernie Pratt.
Fran’s own marriage came a few years later to David Gordon Howard. A family of 4 quickly ensued with homes established in the Kootenay’s, Vancouver Island, and Maple Ridge before Fran & David returned to the Shuswap in 1974. Fran maintained her teaching career throughout and in her retirement years was an active volunteer of the Shuswap Ladies Auxillary
Attention to friends and family however remained her primary driver – always generous with her time, a smile, a hug or something simply amazing from her kitchen for those around her. Predeceased by her siblings (including a beloved step brother Jerry Pratt & sister in law Marion), 3 partners, and too many nieces, nephews & friends – Fran was available to them all. Her resilience exceeded only by her kindness, grace & beauty. Her children all remain in awe of the strength & courage she summoned against the losses of loved ones.
Fran leaves behind her 4 children, currently all residents of Salmon Arm – Bob Howard, Sue Davis, Carin Viala and Rick Howard. She will also be greatly missed by her 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
To them she wrote in a family history compiled in 2014 under the heading
“Advice from Grandma”
I wish you “Enough”
Enough love, enough health
Enough happy thoughts each day,
And enough sense to know when you have enough. (anon)
The family encourages those who wish to pay tribute to Fran to do so through the Ladies Shuswap Lake Health Care Auxillary via the Shuswap Lake Hospital Foundation (or contact Dianne at 250-835-8321).
We would also wish to express our appreciation for the outstanding care and support provided by Dr. Atchison and the staff at Park Place Seniors Care – Piccadilly.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frances Jean Grieve May 29 1927 November 03 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Melfort, Province: Saskatchewan