Frances Betty Lawson

Fran passed away in the wee hours on Friday, January 5th, 2024, at the age of 81 after a two week rollercoaster of activity following surgery for a blood clot in her leg. Even with the expert care of the physicians, nurses and staff at the Grey Nuns Hospital, she was too fragile, and ultimately made the decision to end treatment. She passed peacefully with dignity and grace with her eldest granddaughters by her side for "one more slumber party" whilst playing her favourite music.

Fran was born in Uxbridge, Ontario, and moved to Edmonton as a teen to live-in babysit for a family. A short time after, she met Donald Jamieson, and they went on to have four children. Though they did not remain married, our family celebrations were inclusive of their subsequent spouses and their families throughout our lives.

Though Fran loved her children fiercely, her Irish roots did influence her parenting style. Sugar coatings were for cookies, and you always knew when you needed to pull up your socks. When it came to her grandchildren, she was always the cool, quirky and fun Grandma who guided with wisdom via humour.

To say that Fran faced adversity in her life would be a gross understatement, yet she remained the epitome of compassion and a true champion of the underdog, rescuing individuals and numerous animals on her journey. Throughout her life, she genuinely loved people and had a large friend base. Most of all, though, she loved to make people laugh. She had a tremendously quick wit, and either a corny or obscure sense of humour. When telling a joke, it was invariably followed by her unmistakable cackle of laughter.

Fran was the Queen of letter writing to all levels of government to express her opinion and point out the flaws in our democracy, and had success in effecting small but important changes in matters on a multitude of issues.

Fran's love of the entertainment industry throughout her life was paramount and endured throughout her eight decades. She embraced not only all of the great entertainers of her youth, but was always the first to spot talent, purchase their music and attend concerts. While music and dancing were at the forefront, the cinema, plays, movies and books also held a firm place in her life. In fact, her biggest complaint about potentially moving into a senior's lodge was that the residents would be "boring" and wouldn't know who Swifty or Harry Styles are.

Fran is survived by and will be immensely missed by her children, Daryl, Darren (Tracey), Michele, Glenn and Tobin, as well as her Grandchildren, Candace (Martin), Carla, (Jordan), Clark (Cheralynn), Connor (Summer), Shayla, Keira, Sean, Brittany, and her Great Grandchildren, Emery, Hannah, Louella, Everily and Frankie, her Brother, Jim Lott (and family), and Brother-in-Law, Joe Lawson (and family).

Cremation has taken place, and an internment of Fran's ashes will be undertaken in the summer. A picnic will follow after internment with details to follow as soon as practicable.