Passed away peacefully at Jessica’s House, Exeter on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the age of 98. Beloved wife of late Dr. Donald McNabb (2007) for 60 years. Cherished mother of Donna and Larry Shapton of Exeter, and Maureen and Ed Robinson of Peterborough. Adored grandmother of David (Sarah), Laurel (Ryan); Scott, Heather (Greg), Elizabeth (Noa’), Mark (Andrea), Kate (Randy), and Meghan (Kurtis) and great-grandmother of 13. Predeceased by her brothers, sisters and their spouses; Muriel and Murray Dodds, Margaret and Alex Gauld, Jim and Carole Doyle, Joy and Joe Gerrrish, Elsie and Vic Read, and Norma and Bob Gallaugher and by her parents Thomas and Edith (Tolton) Doyle.
Frances was born at Stoney Beach, Saskatchewan on July 28, 1924 and had 4 sisters and a brother to share the wide open prairie with. She has relayed many wonderful stories of growing up in the dust bowl of the 30’s and the struggles they endured at that time. Catching gophers and taking their tails off for a 2 cent bounty was certainly one of those stories. She always loved watching the storms come across the plain and told stories of her Dad having to tie a rope from the house to the barn during terrible snow storms. There was always love and laughter in their home. Her Mom was a nurse/midwife and her Dad a farmer/fiddle player/school trustee so she had many stories to tell about their lives serving the community. After high school she came to Ontario by herself when she was 18 to start her life and soon joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where she served in Ottawa as a stenographer working both on the ground and in the air while pilots performed test flights. Donald was stationed in Ottawa also and was an air frame mechanic so after meeting at a dance one evening they were happily married in Alliston, Ontario in 1947 and were married for 60 years. Donald then studied in Toronto to be a Chiropractor and graduated in 1951. They moved to Peterborough and Frances naturally became the secretary of the office and worked tirelessly by his side for many, many years until their retirement. She kept the office wheels turning and kept Dad on his toes when they got busy, especially if Dad got talking. Many of their patients became lifelong friends. Frances enjoyed cooking, housekeeping and was a wonderful Mom whom we could rely on any time to be there for us throughout our school years and in the years to come.
A very special thanks to the staff at the Exeter Villa for the care they provided to Frances for the last 11 years. Also, to Dr. Jadd, Dr. Lam and the palliative care staff at Jessica’s House for the extra care they provided during her last 6 weeks.
In keeping with Frances’ wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held at a later date at Alliston Union Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Homes, Exeter (519-235-1220).
Donations to Make A Wish – Canada or Jessica’s House would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Leah
Our condolences on the loss of “Auntie Fran”. She was a lovely lady. Cherish the memories. Sincerely Leah and Blair Barro
Linda and John Wuerth
Donna Larry and family
So sorry to hear about your mom Donna. She was such a lovely lady and my mom enjoyed talking to her at the villa. You have our Deepest sympathy
Bob and Helen Coates
Our condolences for the loss of a dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother. May memories comfort you.
George and Sue Wilson
Donna, Larry and family, heartfelt condolences. Mothers are always in our hearts. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Heimrich
Donna, Larry & Family;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. What a full and accomplished life she lived. Thinking of you all at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich & Staff at Lifetime Water Products, Exeter
Jim Chapman
Donna, Larry and family ;
My sincere sympathy to all of you.
What an interesting and challenging journey she had through life.
There must be many, many memories !
Karen & Danny Masse & family
Our deepest sympathies Donna, Larry and families on the loss of your Mother. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Larry & Sandra Hern
Dear Donna & Larry and family,
We extend sympathy in your sorrow at the passing of your dear Mom. May all your treasured memories bring you peace.
Melonie Miller
Donna, Larry & family
You shared some stories of your mom Donna when we visited at the store. I always wanted to meet her.
You will miss her much… lots of good memories ♥️
Barry & Melonie
Peter and Janet Dearing
Donna and Larry
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Over the years that Fran spent at the Villa we had the opportunity to have many conversations with her. She always expressed concern for our family and the happenings of the neighborhood. She was a lovely lady and will be missed. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Karen Insley Windsor and family
Fran was a wonderful, kind, loving lady and will be missed by many. I had the pleasure of getting to know her at Exeter Villa as her and my Mom became great friends during their time there. Fran always had a chat, a wonderful smile and a hug. We always had to have a hug. She was a special lady and she was so kind after my Mom passed. Sending her family thoughts and prayers at this time. May you find strength in your memories.
Evelyn Vincent
Donna, Larry & family
sincere sympathy in your great loss. Frances was a lovely lady. Praying the good memories help bring peace and comfort. A life well lived
Daryl & Carol Ann Keys
Donna & Larry & Family:
Your love for your dear mom, mom- in- law, Grandma & Great Grandma, was a beautiful gift you gave her – and she obviously cherished it. You were a blessing, and now you are blessed. May God continue to Bless You Mightily.
Bobbi V
Donna,
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Thinking of you and your family ❤️
Sheila
Donna Catherine and Sheila send our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.
Sue Riley
Donna, Larry & family – thinking of you during this difficult time.
Irvine R Armstrong
To Donna and Larry and family. I was sorry to read the death of Fran.We had a good many conversations and laughs to gether. God bless you and take care. Irv.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Donna, Larry and families
Sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. May your memories of her bring you comfort in the future. Our condolences
Laurel Maule
Nana always knew that I loved “Fruit Roll Ups” and whenever we’d visit her in Peterborough she would always have some in the cupboard. A very special treat from a very special woman. Rest in all the love and peace you deserve Nan.
Love, Laurel, Ryan, Sterling & August