Community icon Frances Jean passes away
Word has spread among social media of the loss of Mrs. Frances Jean.
Jean is known for her volunteer work and many accomplishments, including creating the first newspaper in Fort McMurray, where she acted as reporter, writer and editor and releasing her own book. She was also one of the first women to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce and an avid volunteer.
On top of those great accomplishments, she was also known for her many local businesses, the first being “Jean’s Gifts and Stationary.”
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Her son, Brian, former MP and MLA of the region and leader of the Wildrose party before it’s merger to UCP, spoke highly of his mother, including in the House of Commons.
“She is a trailblazer, a historian, a world traveller, a master cook and baker, continues to work more than 50 hours a week, and is the most honest person I know. She also works tirelessly to serve her family, her community, and Canada.”
A Facebook group was created on Nov. 15, for friends, family and community members to send messages and thoughts to Jean after she spent the first two weeks of the month in the hospital.
According to a post in the group, she was first admitted for a blood clot and pneumonia, not long after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Jean passed away on Nov. 23.
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Funeral arrangements have not been announced, but the Jean family has requested donations to be made to the Northern Lights Health Foundation in lieu of flowers. Funds donated in honour of Frances Jean will go towards the Willow Square Continuing Care Facility.