1916-2006
Frances White of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2006, at the age of 89 years.
Frances Laing Smith was born in Weyburn, Sask., to Helen and Percy Maynard Smith on September 4, 1916. Her brother George Maynard was born on November 15, 1918. On the same date in 1941, she married Clifford White, Lt. Commander RCNVR. Frances received her Associate Diploma Conservatory of Music for Speech Arts, gold medal honours in 1969 from Mount Royal College. The following year, the Conservatory of Music awarded her a diploma. Her first public stage performance was in Weyburn at the age of 3. Her love of the arts and music continued through her lifetime. She enjoyed singing in several choirs, enlivening as she did programs with Ryerson’s, 50/50 Club, the Sierras Condo and Music Matinee. Fran was a member of PEO, Ryerson and Riverview United Churches and the Noteables. Frances wrote many self-published poems which were inspired by her deep spirituality, love of travel and the tropics, and connection with nature.
Frances will be missed by her loving partner and best friend, Clifford Hubert White; her children Lynn Turnbull (Terry), Brian White (Maureen), Neil White (Barbara), Ross White (Jeannie); her grandchildren Suzanne (Derrick), Bill (Jen), Cale (Paula), Anna, Skylar (Karen), Laura, Sean, Ailen (Preston), Rachel, Jordan and Kelsey; as well as her great-grandchildren Sarah Turnbull, Savannah and Marcus Georgeson and Theo White.
Funeral services were held at Living Spirit United Church on Friday, August 4, 2006, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Harold Black presiding. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church.
In living memory of Frances White, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes Park Memorial Chapel.