Obituary of Frances Merele Montrose

1945 – 2024

 

Frances Merele Montrose (Nee Riddell) of Fredericton, NB, (formerly of Montreal) passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Fredericton Hospice House after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

 

Her early years were spent in a Christian family atmosphere in Montreal, which included many activities, including skiing in the Laurentians near their 100 year old family homestead farm in Morin Heights, Quebec.

 

Fran was an avid photographer. She turned beautiful photos into real-life very detailed oil paintings. Fran was especially pleased with a large commissioned oil painting which is a part of history. She was asked by a pilot of a World War II Avro Lancaster Bomber to paint his plane in a “Night Action Scene”. It was a challenge to have every part and angle precise, but knowing that the Lancaster Bomber played a very large role in ending the War made the challenge very worthwhile. It is now hung in many War Museums around the country.

           

Painting was her passion, as well as many creative poems, highlighting family, friends, and the beauty of nature. Fran’s faith in her Lord was her rock throughout many difficult times in her life. Fran spent 16 lovely winters in Pompano Beach, Florida, with her long- term, gracious companion, Charles Seymour. Under warm skies she enjoyed golfing, bowling, swimming plus dinners and dances at the Clubhouse. She especially valued the friendships made with many get-togethers and card games at Golf View Estates. The ocean was just minutes away and many hours were spent walking the seashore and collecting seashells.

 

Fran was predeceased by her husband Percy. Sadly, she was also predeceased by her very kind and considerate companion of 26 years, Charles Seymour. She was also predeceased by her parents, Merle Riddell and Edna (Campbell) Riddell, of Morin Heights, Quebec, and many aunts and uncles.

 

Fran is survived by her daughter, Laura Lee MacLean (husband Alan Smitton), son, Scott MacLean, and her only granddaughter, Alexandra Smitton; her sisters, Margaret Paterson (husband Gordon) and Joan Strathdee, living in Ingersoll, Ontario, and many nieces and nephews.

 

Fran’s daughter and son would like to thank all the dedicated and caring staff and volunteers at Fredericton Hospice during her extended stay. A special thank you to Dr. Paulin, the entire nursing staff, Marlene of pastoral services, and Junia, a special caretaker of Mom’s every need and wish in her final days. Special thank you’s to longtime friends and supporters Sandy and Donna for all your love and caring in Mom’s final months.

 

Funeral arrangements are through McAdams Funeral Home. A private graveside service will take place. In lieu of flowers donations to Fredericton Hospice would be appreciated. For those who are able Fran wished to have a Maple tree planted in her memory at a place of your choosing. It will be a living memorial and a reminder of the great country we live in.