Velda Ellen Francis
November 27, 2021
FRANCIS, Velda Ellen – Formerly of Mount Forest, passed away peacefully at Royal Terrace Retirement Residence, Palmerston, on Saturday, November 27, 2021, in her 81st year. Predeceased by her beloved husband LaVerne Francis. Loving mother of Blair Francis and his wife Karen of Mississauga, Ian Francis and his wife Kim, and Brad Francis, all of Mount Forest. Cherished grandmother of the late James Allan (1993), Liam (Jennie), Tyler (Shaelynne), Jackson and Jason. Dear sister of Muriel Allen and her late husband Bob of Dundalk, Ruth Penwarden and her husband Jim of Mount Forest, and Brian McQuarrie and his wife Elizabeth of Stratford. Survived also by many nephews, nieces, and their families.
Velda was predeceased by her second husband Mervyn Kirkpatrick. She will be missed by Mervyn’s children: David, Linda, and Stephen and their families.
Velda was very active in her community and enjoyed the many lasting friendships she made. She volunteered her time with the United Church Women, Mount Forest Lawn Bowling Club, Mount Forest Seniors Group, Mount Forest Archives, Mount Forest Kinsmen Club, and the Mount Forest Curling Club.
Visitation will be held at the England Funeral Home, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest, on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. To attend the visitation, proof of double vaccination and photo identification is required. No appointment is necessary. Masks are mandatory and Covid protocols are in place. The funeral service will be held at Mount Forest United Church, 175 Queen Street East, Mount Forest, on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. To attend the funeral service, proof of double vaccination and photo identification is required. No reservation is necessary. Masks are mandatory and Covid protocols are in place. Private spring interment in Ventry Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Velda are asked to consider the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation.
Condolences
Sending love and prayers to each of you at this difficult time. So lorry for your loss.
Lots of love
Shelley Walter
Muriel, the McQuarrie and Francis' Families Sincere Condolences!
Velda and I go back a long way, Public School and High School.....
I had the pleasure of visiting Velda in her last new home in Mount Forest.
Also had visits at several Junior C hockey games about 5 years ago that our grandsons were competing against each other.
Rest in Peace!
Joyce Thompson
My deepest sympathy to the family…thinking of you at this difficult time.
— Jeremy Burgess, December 3, 2021Sincer condolences to Blair, Ian, Brad and Families on the passing of your Mother, Velda. Your Parents were good friends and your Dad being Principal in Durham when Rowland taught there.
Thinking about you at this sad time.
Marlyn and Rowland Howard
We were very sorry to hear of Velda's passing. We have many great memories of curling with both Laverne and Velda.
— Mike and Deb David, December 3, 2021I am so very sorry for your loss. I was Velda's Avon lady for a few years and always enjoyed talking to her. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
— Adam McGill, December 1, 2021So sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom and Grandma, I remember her giving me much needed and appreciated tips from my brief curling days. She was a terrific Grandma always so proud of her Grandkids and so involved. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Kim & Craig Janzen
Blair,
We are sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May god give you strength and courage during this difficult time.
Dear Blair and Karen,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
— Siamak Khalajabadi, December 1, 2021
Hi Blair,
I wanted you are well in this difficult time. I wish God to give you the wisdom you need to handle this difficult time. God is a very real presence with you right now… Very sorry for your loss.
Fernando Rodriguez---Teranet
Sincere sympathies for the loss of your mother. I pray for you and your family to have strength in your grieving, and take comfort from all the happy memories you carry.
— Luminita Nita, December 1, 2021Blair,
My deepest sympathies during your time of loss, my thoughts/prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
My sincere sympathies to the family of Velda on her passing. I remember such good memories of Velda with the Kinette Club of Mount Forest, and also from the Mount Forest United Church community. Heartfelt sympathies.
Lois Amos
Our Sincere Heartfelt Sympathy to all of Velda's Family. We were friends for over 50 years and had many happy times together. It was good that she had boys because we didn't. When Ian was a young hockey player, I used to go with Velda to his games. Then her grandsons played hockey and we went to the Patriots and enjoyed the games followed by tea, a goodie and discussed all the world's a fairs. She was very proud of Blair and his family, especially that Tyler was almost a lawyer. Jason was into music which was another favourite of hers. Blair came up with his electric car and we learned about this new make of a vehicle. Karen took Velda to art lessons when she was visiting and was very proud of the interesting framed pictures she drew. Kim and Ian had Velda at there home for a few weeks where she enjoyed the big dog and watching sports with who ever was around and Kim's cooking. She made jars and jars of strawberry jam for Brad and was proud of him working at Quality Homes for many years. Velda was a true, faithful friend to many and several years made stone top arrangements for all the family in Ventry Cemetery. I remember one winter, the snow was over 5 feet high and we walked and laughed as we made our way to the back under the Maple tree where Laverne was buried. Many times we travelled to Proton and enjoyed hearing about life there as a young lady. In Mount Forest living just down the hill towards North Water St. on James Street her family lived only a few houses from our house. Ian and Cindy were lucky there was a big Lilac Tree so they could get stopped so they didn't land on the road. When we visited Velda at Royal Terrace she accepted that she needed the care and it was awesome. Bob and her had many discussions re sports, pension plans and she would play Irish tunes that were so cheerful. She loved her siblings, cousins, nephews and was sad when the family reunions were no more. We will miss our dear friend, but it is good to know she died peacefully with her family around her. Peace, Love and Joy, our dear friend.
— Bob and Mary McIntee, November 30, 2021I am sorry to hear of Velda's passing. I have fond memories of cheering with her at many hockey games, laughs during evening card games and gabbing late into the evenings. Heartfelt condolences to all.
Jayne Stickle
Thinking of your family as you grieve Velda’s passing. May all of the special times you shared be a comfort to you.
With sincere sympathy. Tricia and Alex
Sorry I cannot attend her funeral, condolences to the family Blair, Ian and Brad and their families. Prayers and thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
Sincere sympathy to all of Velda Francis' family.
What a true friend she was to all families, and friend to all ages.
Friend for many years.
Grace Copeland
Velda was a thoughtful and concerned supporter of Louise Marshall Hospital. On many occasions, when I worked at LMH Foundation office, I enjoyed discussing her interest in financially making a project happen that would benefit others in Mount Forest. I always appreciated her dedication as a volunteer for many charitable causes. Sincerest condolences to all of the family.
Jane Ford, former Development Officer, Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation.
Our deepest sympathy to all of Velda's family. She will be sadly missed. I spent a lot of years curling with Velda, it was always so much fun being a part of her team. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Tom and Lee Matthieu
— Donna Lee Matthieu, November 30, 2021So sorry to hear of Velda’s passing. I have many fond memories of her from curling and lawn bowling. My sincere condolences.
— Brenda Eckhardt, November 30, 2021Thinking of you all as you mourn the loss of Velda. What an amazing woman, her wit and sarcasm and dry sense of humour will never be forgotten. My last encounter with Velda was at the lawn bowling greens in Mount Forest while I was walking my dog with my daughter. We watched for a bit and Velda approached the fence and invited us to come throw... regardless of our poochie being with us. She just took his leash and gave me a quick lesson and let me take her turns. I have many other memories of Velda but this one sticks with me for more than 1 reason. Rest peacefully Velda and hugs to all.
— Tali McGovern, November 29, 2021Ian, Kim &family
My heartfelt sympathies go to you and your family,
Sending condolences and thinking of you all at this time.
Wilma & Brenda Wollis, Bernice Smith and Family.
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Velda’s family on her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
— Verne and Pauline Mills, November 29, 2021We are sorry to hear of Velda's passing and send our sincerest sympathy to all her family. Many fond thoughts come to mind as we remember our good times together over the years. Velda was a good friend and she will be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Don and Irene.
— Don and Irene Neal, November 29, 2021We are very sorry to hear of Velda's passing. When Jim and I first came to the Mount Forest area (20 years ago) it was suggested we try curling and Velda helped both of us to understand and enjoy the game. We have good memories. Our sympathies to all family members.
— Jim and Chere Ramore, November 29, 2021Ian Kim Jack Liam & Jennie
We are so sorry for your loss our hearts & thoughts go out to you all during this difficult time.
Kyle Corrina & Rowen Cherrett
Murray Trask
— Murray Trask, November 29, 2021Blair, Ian, Brad and families - Our heartfelt sympathies go to you and your families. Your mom was a lovely lady. We enjoyed the years together when we were neighbours on James Street.
A sad day for all.
Thinking of you,
Debbie, Jennifer and Adam and families
To Blair, Ian, and Brad
I was so sorry to hear about your Mother’s death. She was a lovely lady, well known to our family as we lived across the street from you folks for so many years. May your memories be a comfort to you at this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear of Velda’s passing, I have many wonderful memories of working with Velda at the church.
Our sympathy to all her family
John and Peggy Barnard
Muriel, so sorry to hear that Velda has passed away. Lots of good memories from the sixth of Proton.
So sorry to hear of Velda's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
— Joe & Katheryn Meyer, November 29, 2021Ruth, Jim and Families....so sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs and sending strength to help you through this time.
Debbie Reid
Velda helped to teach us how to curl, many years ago. She was a feisty lady, and she'll be missed.
Rosemary & Raymond
I was so sorry to hear that Velda had passed away and wish to extend my sincere sympathy to her family. She was a wonderful person and I'm honoured to have known her. She will certainly be missed by many!
Dear Ruth, Jim and family...I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear sister Velda....you certainly were good to her especially when she needed you most. My sincere condolences to the entire family at this difficult time. Take care....Kathy Russwurm xo ❤
— Kathy Russwurm, November 29, 2021Our thoughts and prayers are with you all..Velda was a wonderful lady...May your memories help you through this difficult time...Harvey & Terry
— Harvey & Terry Fraser, November 28, 2021My sympathy to Velda's families, both the Francis branch and the Kirkpatrick branch. I always enjoyed working with her in at the Mount Forest Archives. She would share family reunion news with me after she had met my brother, Bob Scott, at their reunions. We will all miss her great outlook on everything as she volunteered her time in so many places..
Pauline Brown
Sending our sympathy to all of Velda's family and friends. Treasure all your memories. Sincerely Diane & Bill Dineen & Leonard Seifried
Ruth, Jim and Family,
We are sorry to hear of Velda's passing, and are thinking of you at this time of loss.
Doug & Christine
Velda was a wonderful member of the Mount Forest Seniors Group. You could always count on her to help. She loved to play cards. We so enjoyed her company.
— Kay Ayres, November 28, 2021Ruth Jim and family
So so sorry to hear about Veldas passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and most certainly our prayers. Xo Daryll and Debb
Blair, Ian and Brad and families. Jeff and I are so very sorry to see that your Mom has passed away. Jeff has many happy memories of you boys and your family. Out thoughts and prayers are sent to all. Jeff and Donna Bilton
— Donna and Jeff Bilton, November 28, 2021