Frances Clare Jones

Frances Clare Jones

June 18th, 1923 – October 14th, 2011

Peacefully at her home ‘Windsong’ on Fairy Lake Huntsville, Friday October 14th at the well-lived age of 88 years, surrounded by family. Survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Ralph, and children Donald and Frances, Robert and Paula, Elizabeth and Arduino, and Margy. Predeceased by daughter Mary Frances, brothers Ted and Don Johnson, sisters Peggy Hobart, Jane Johnson, Anne Stanton and Clare Broadbent. Loving Granny to Hillary, Rosalind, Ginny and Stefan. Great-Granny to Nolan and new baby girl this November.  Missed by furry friends Mozart and Chopin.

Frances worked at General Motors in Oshawa in the tabulating department during wartime and until her marriage in 1948. Over her lifetime Frances was very active as a volunteer in Oshawa. She began her political career with the Liberal Party at age 17 led by her mother, Anne Johnson. In 1963 she was the first female candidate for the Liberals in her riding. 

Frances had a vast portfolio of volunteerism including Girl Guide leader for 7 years, YWCA member 30 years, Served on parish, regional and archdiocesan executives of Catholic Women’s League; Board member of Oshawa Housing Authority for 9 years, Past Regent of Golden Jubilee Chapter of the IODE including Citizenship Secretary for over 20 years. This is the role she loved the most as she welcomed approximately 50,000 new citizens with her warm smile and inspirational greetings. She was Oshawa mayor’s appointed representative for nine years on Oshawa Housing Authority board of directors, serving as Chairman, administering hundreds of housing units; Volunteer driver for ODACL before Handi-Transit; President of Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery Board of Trustees, during expansion into a beautiful new building; Board of Directors of local Red Cross and YWCA;

Frances received numerous awards for her dedication to community life including YMCA Woman of Distinction, Outstanding volunteer for the Liberal Party (Ontario), and was honoured by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, becoming one of 20 Canadians to receive the Canadian Citation for Citizenship 2003.

Skiing, swimming for hours, a challenging bridge game, playing solitaire, birdwatching, numerous dogs and cats, dancing, chocolate hidden around the house, and dinners with family and friends were also a large part of Frances’ journey and sharing with others was important to her. She enjoyed moving to Huntsville in 2005 and made many new friends.

Despite her numerous health and personal challenges Frances accepted them with dignity and strength. She will forever be an inspiration to all who loved her.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Frances’ love of life will be held Saturday October 29th from 1:30 until 4:30, Hidden Valley Highlands Muskoka Ski Club, 1655 Hidden Valley Road, Huntsville. If desired Memorial Donations in memory of Frances to Huntsville Community Living or Oshawa Clarington Association for Community Living would be greatly appreciated.

Special thanks to all her caregivers for their dedicated and compassionate care, and especially to ‘Nurse Ralph’.