Francine’s Obituary
On Thursday January 14th, 2021 Francine Dorothy Geary, 83 years of age left this world. For the last number of years she had suffered various health issues, she passed away peacefully at the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital with her family members by her side.
Born to Frank and Verona Mathieson in Rainy River, Ontario. She spent her early years in Morson and Rainy River, where she also attended school. Moving to Red Lake with her family when she was 15 years old. She married Allen Geary a month before turning 18 and they raised their 5 children in Red Lake. Allen and Francine built and managed Sportman’s Lodge, a tourist camp on Little Vermilion Lake for many years where their children grew up spending their summers. Family and friends often visited at Sportman’s Lodge to enjoy boating, swimming, shore lunches and a short flight from Red Lake to Little Vermilion Lake courtesy of Allen. Francine was known for her delicious homemade bread and her many guests raved about her down home cooking.
Allen was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Francine belonged to Eastern Star. Family Christmas’s were important in Fran’s life and she became famous for her Hamburger Buns. That tradition will be carried on by many of her family members.
In later years, Francine and Allen enjoyed travelling to visit friends, family and various casinos. After Allen passed, Fran continued to enjoy travelling with her sisters and special cousin Kathy. For a number of years she spent the winter months with her two daughters, Lynn and Pamela, on Vancouver Island.
Francine was very proud of her 9 grandchildren and enjoyed all the time she got to spend with them. She also had 11 great grandchildren and was tickled pink by the fact that her great grandchildren have 3 living great-great-Aunts.
Survived and lovingly remembered by her children Dawn (Lars) Anderson, Lynn Geary, Brett (Judy) Geary, Kevin (Debra) Geary, Pamela (Gary) Geary-Wood, her sisters Margaret Mathieson and Leah (Claude) Gentes and sister-in-law Billie Geary-Stubbert, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Frank and Verona, brothers Maurice and Stevie, husband Allen and grandson Dalton.
A life well lived, we will all carry many happy memories. Bye for now.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital Auxiliary through Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Francine Dorothy Geary, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Francine Dorothy Geary November 22 1937 January 14 2021..
Red Lake Funeral Chapel Limited
Death notice for the town of: Red Lake, Province: Ontario