FRANCES “FRAN” FORD (nee ASBELL) Daughter of Bertha (nee Smith) and Leslie Asbell passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at the age of 86 years. Fran was born in Newton, MA spending 12 years there before moving with her family to Oxford, NS where she completed her early education and met her future husband Ronald. The high school sweethearts both attended Mount Allison University before marrying in September 1953 and moving to the new mining town of Murdochville, QC. There they began a family welcoming Randy in 1954 followed in two year intervals by Cindy and Chris. After nearly 25 years in Murdochville, they lived briefly in Saskatoon before moving permanently to Southern Ontario in 1977. Over the years, Fran and Ron spent many fun-filled vacations at Heather Beach in Nova Scotia with their growing family and the families of their siblings. This was a special place for the entire family. In retirement, they travelled to many exotic locations and built their dream winter retreat on Hilton Head Island, SC. It was at about this time that Fran and Ron also became founding members of the infamous Nut Club. For Fran, family and friends were always the centre of her life. Fran is lovingly remembered by her husband of 63 years, Ronald, son Randy (Ann) and grandsons Jeremy (Sarah) and Joshua (Morgan), daughter Cindy (Dennis) and grandchildren Andrea (Evan) and Nicholas, son Chris (Karen) and grandchildren Jessica and Matthew, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Fran was predeceased by her brother Stuart Asbell. Special thanks to the staff at Woodlands of Sunset Nursing Home in Welland for its excellent care, kindness and support. The memorial service to honour Fran’s life will take place at the JAMES L. PEDLAR FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill, on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 12:00 noon. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society. Online condolences can be placed at www.pedlarfuneralhome.ca