October 25, 1920 - February 28, 2008 We sadly announce the passing of Alice Mary Francis on February 28th, 2008, in Maple Ridge, BC at the age of 87 years. She was predeceased by her husband Blaine. Alice will be greatly missed by her son Norman, daughter-in-law Pat, daughter Leanne Stewart, son-in-law Dean, and grandchildren Kimberley, Sarah, and Luc Francis and Jordan and Brett Stewart. Alice will also be greatly missed by her brother Alfred Knowles, sister Jean Wilkinson and brother-in-law Fred, as well as many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends. Born in Unity, Saskatchewan, Alice moved to Grand Forks, British Columbia with her family at a young age. She attended teacher training in Victoria, and first worked as a schoolteacher in the Kootenays and in Keremeos. Alice moved to Oliver in 1945 where she met her husband Blaine, and where they lived happily married for 54 years. She taught at the Oliver Elementary School from 1945 to 1948 and was the school's librarian from 1965 to 1975. She was well respected by colleagues and students alike. Alice was an active member of the Activity Club, the Oliver Historical Society, and the United Church. She was a kind-hearted person who loved life at home, as well as traveling abroad. She enjoyed camping, fishing and cross-country skiing with her husband Blaine, as well as cooking, canning, pie-making, and organizing arts and crafts for her grandchildren. Alice loved music, and played the piano and organ.
A memorial service to celebrate Alice's life is to be held at the Oliver United Church at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8th with a tea to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Graham Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. will be greatly appreciated.
