Obituary of Frances Ratchford

Fran was born in Kitchener Waterloo, the eldest daughter of the late Frankie and Rose Logel. Her siblings, Sandra, Elaine Gene, Suzie, Rick and Reg were a very important part of her life as were their significant people, Caron, Donna, Ron, Maureen and Harold.

Fran loved her nieces and nephews and came from a large extended family with many cousins.

She went to nursing college in KW and soon after met ‘the Douglette’ who was to become the love of her life. They settled in KW and started a family. Kelly, Jamie, Jeremy and Shannon came along in quick succession. Jamie sadly died when he was a sweet toddler and so a new family unit adjusted.

Fran had a flare for fashion and a knack for spectacular floral and table arrangements, bedazzling her home and creating a very warm and welcoming ambience.

Fran had a gift as a support and carer for the elders in her family including her much loved mother-in-law Henrietta Ratchford and Auntie Edna. She had a lovely combination of empathy, practicality and creativity.

Fran adored her three grandsons, Dexton, Wylder and Revel and looked forward to the phone calls and visits between KW and LA.

She was cared for in her last years by her youngest son Shannon.

We will miss Frannie’s cheeky laughter, astute reflections on life and her stunning collection of dangly earrings and eyeglasses.

She missed her dear Doug so much. We hope they are dancing to Neil Diamond somewhere in the skies, enjoying a martini and a scotch together.

A memorial service for Fran will be held in the warmer summer months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s Hospital and Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada.