Frances Edith Gemmell (nee. Vollmer)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fran on Wednesday November 20, 2024. Fran passed peacefully surrounded by family at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, after a courageous year long battle with cancer. Fran is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Ron, daughter Carolyn (Danny), and grandson Nicholas, of whom she was most proud.

Fran was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Matilda, her sisters Muriel, Margaret, and Kathleen and her loving son Greg.

Fran will be sadly missed by her siblings, Lil (Jim) and John (Helene), as well as the many nieces, nephews, and children who have gathered annually, rain or shine, for the family golf weekend. This yearly gathering was cherished by Fran, attendance by her children not optional. The memories shared at this multi generational get together, will comfort all who attended as we mourn Fran’s passing, and celebrate her wonderful life.

Fran met Ron in 1968 and they married in 1969. Ron’s love for his beloved “Franci” is eternal, their journey in life together a story of love, resilience, accomplishment, and adventure.

In November of 1972, they welcomed their daughter Carolyn to the world. Carolyn’s love for her mom was untiring as Fran faced down cancer in 2013. Carolyn inherited her mom’s caring nature. Despite her self-proclaimed status as a “heartless engineer”, Carolyn’s love and caring nature energized, sustained, and comforted Fran through the past year as she struggled to overcome the odds one last time. Carolyn spent countless hours at Fran’s bedside, their incredible bond growing stronger with each passing moment, Carolyn the shining example of a daughter’s love.

Greg arrived on Halloween of 1975. Affectionately known as “Greggy”, he kept Ron and Fran on their toes. Greg surely inherited his resilience from his mom, defying the odds on more than one occasion. Greg’s unexpected passing in 2015, left Fran with a deep sadness of a life so well lived, that ended much too soon. Greg’s eternal presence in Fran’s heart, was a comfort for her until her last breath. They now share an eternal embrace.

Both Carolyn and Greg became engineers, following in their father’s footsteps, at the urging of Fran to aim high in their endeavours.

Fran’s legacy includes a life devoted to caring for others. Following in the path of her sisters, Fran became a Registered Nurse in 1965. She served as an operating room nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Guelph, and Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. Close to Fran’s heart were the lifelong relationships that resulted from her vocation. She was so proud to be a part of a group from her graduating class of 1965 that gathered annually. Through the decades, they shared in each other’s success, love, and loss. Wherever they would gather, laughter would fill the air, and stories would abound.

Upon their retirement, at the urging of Carolyn and Greg, Ron and Fran purchased a home in Mexico. Winters in Mexico were the source of countless memories of new friendships that spanned the world, great dining, amazing weather, and year-round golf. Fran was able to make it to Mexico one last time this past spring, as we gather there in the future, her laughter, story telling, and love will be sorely missed.

Fran’s family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care she received at Royal Victoria Hospital. Dr. Sara Rask, Dr. Rajeev Rao, Dr. Diana Visentin, and the countless others who shared in Fran’s care, we hope you begin each day knowing how incredible you are for the work you do. Fran cherished her interactions with you and the respect shown to her life’s journey.

A celebration of Fran’s life will be held in the summer of 2025.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Cancer Society and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.