Obituary of Frances Ann Crichton

CRICHTON, Frances A. River John It is with great sadness that we announce the departure of a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Frances Ann Crichton (Jones), passed away at the Willow Lodge care home, in Tatamagouche, NS on August 14th at the age of 84. Fran battled Alzheimer’s Disease for many years and succumbed peacefully in her sleep with her loving and devoted husband, John, by her side. Fran was predeceased by her parents, Aileen and Arthur Jones of Halifax/Musquodobuit Harbour, NS; her brothers, Ron Jones and David Jones, both of BC and her son-in-law, Dennis Drover of Hodges Cove/Labrador City, NL. Left to mourn with fond and loving memories are the other members of her family. Her husband of 61 years, John Crichton of River John, NS; her daughters, Alison Drover of Labrador City, NL; Jenni Crichton of Kamloops, BC and her son, Johnny Crichton (Nicole) of Kamloops, BC; her sisters, Carol Brewer (Keith), Barbara Meade (Gerry), Evelyn LaHaut (Clarence), Gwynn Bedford (Bill); brother, Laurie Jones (Kate) and sister-in-law, Nora Jones. Fran had many other adoring family members including 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She also had a large circle of dear friends and co-workers. Fran adored children and, in addition to her own kids, she mentored and inspired numerous young minds at daycares from one end of Canada to the other where she worked as an early childhood educator. She went on to get her ECE certification with honors, once her children were in their teens. Many people also knew Fran as an avid visual artist. She painted in many different mediums but especially loved oil, watercolours and pen and ink. She also enjoyed carving sculptures like her famous “Driftwood Santas”. Fran valued continuing education and even went on to achieve a Fine Arts University Degree as an adult. Fran also loved music. Her husband John likes to write and create songs and Fran was always his biggest fan as well as his most honest critic. Fran also had a special connection with animals and pets were always a part of our family’s home and the happiness she created there. Instead of a funeral service the family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Fran and all are welcome to attend. It is organized for Sunday, September 10th from 1-4PM at the West Branch Hall. In lieu of flowers the family asks that any gifts be directed to the Alzheimer's Society or the Willow Lodge Foundation. Fran/Mom/Grandma, may your paintings and artwork live on in our towns and in our homes just like the impressions you have left in our hearts. You will always be remembered for your kind heart, your inquisitive mind, your loving care and your wonderful sense of joy and humour. Even while living with such a debilitating and relentless disease you kept your amazing social graces to the very end.