Frances "Fran" Joyce Wood
January 27th, 2014
Fran passed away peacefully with her loving children in attendance at Bethany Care Centre, Airdrie on Monday, January 27, 2014 at the age of 79 years. She was an inspiring lady, graduating with her nursing degree in 1956 then going on to marry her high school sweetheart, Howard in 1957. They then decided to come back to their home town of Crossfield to take over the school busses and garage and raise their family. Fran was a very active member of our community becoming Crossfield’s first council woman in 1980, then to become the First Lady Deputy Mayor. Fran is predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Ellis Banta and her beloved husband, Howard. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Wendy (Bruce) Taks, Ken (Danna) Wood, Gail Wood (Tom Van Wieringen); six loving grandchildren and four great grandchildren; siblings, Marge (Harry) Rowney, Evelyn (Harold) Helzer, Marion (Lyle) Irwin, Dale (Lindsey) Banta and David (Janette) Banta as well as many caring nieces and nephews. We would like to thank the staff of the Bethany Care Centre, Airdrie for their amazing, and compassionate care of Fran. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Crossfield & District Community Centre, 900 Mountain Avenue. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations in Fran’s memory be made to The Bethany Care Centre, 1736 – 1st Avenue NW, Airdrie, AB, T4B 2C9.
Messages:
Aunty Fran will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Our sincere sympathy to Gail, Ken, Wendy and their families.
Frances Banta was a wonderful Girl and Lady. I have many happy memories of her and Howard. I went through school with Fran and Howard and my wife Mary Winkelaar was in nursing school with Fran. My sincere Sympathies to her family. Neil Bannister.
Dear Wendy and family, so sorry to hear about your Mom,you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Smith and family
Our deepest condolences to the Wood family. Fran and Howard were very instrumental in my transition to Crossfield life and I will always be eternally grateful to have her a part of my life both as my sometimes school bus driver and as my first employer later on during summer breaks. She was always a pleasure to visit with. Will surely be missed in the community. R.I.P. Fran.
To the family of Frances Wood. Frances was a fellow Classmate of C.G.H. We had many fond memories of those three years. My sympathies to you Wendy, Ken and Gail on the loss of your mother. She was loving and kind. I am sure you have many happy memories - hold onto them. Sincerely Lorraine (Lebsack) McKinnon Class of '56
Our sincere sympathy in the passing of our friend Fran.You will have many good memories of your Mother. Bob & Jean Hunter
I remember Fran as a very involved community member and an excellent mentor when I started on town council. May your memories help ease the pain of your great loss.