Obituary of Frances Doreen Black

BLACK, Frances Doreen (nee Graham) 1924-2016 Frances passed away in Toronto on Monday, February 29, 2016 in her daughters arms. Frances is survived by her children and daughter-in-law Cassie, Donald, David and Jannyne. She was a proud, supportive and loving Gramma to Frances Anne (Matt Strauss), Laura (Andrew Butler), Jennifer (Matt Boyd), Edward, Danielle (J.P. Fortin), Ashley, Kristine, Jody, Lindsay (Brad Domonsky), Kelly, Graham (Stephanie), Brittany (Jamie Playne) and cherished her great-grandchildren, Johnny, Reed, Tristan, Scarlett, Jake, Thomas, Jackson, Isla and Maddyn. Frances will be joining her late husband William (Bill) Black (2010) and son Eddie (2014) in heaven. Frances grew up in Toronto to parents Cassie and John Graham and was the youngest of five children. Predeceased by siblings Tom (Marg), Kay (Leonard McCarthy), Paul (Betty), and Mary (Bob Flanagan) who were her inner circle and whom she shared the best of times in Markdale, Toronto and Georgian Bay. Frances worked as an Executive Assistant at Imperial Oil before marrying Bill Black in 1949. Her marriage to Bill was full of colour and shared values such as family, Catholicism, exploring the world and giving back to the community. Frances was an avid fundraiser and supporter of Nazareth House, President of St. Michael's Hospital Auxiliary and Board Member, President of the Catholic Women's League of Holy Rosary Parish and a volunteer for the Catholic Children's Aid. She was a quietly confident woman who never needed the spotlight to shine. She thought the most remarkable quality in a person was kindness. She was a big fan of the Blue Jays, Loblaws and Pope Francis! Frances shared good times with friends and family at her homes in Toronto, Aurora, Thornbury, Fort Lauderdale and Midland Point where she enjoyed cooking, playing cards and telling stories. She will be missed by her family and friends. Special thanks to the entire staff at Bradgate Arms for their loving care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in HOLY ROSARY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 354 St. Clair Avenue West, on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. on the morning of the service. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Michael's Foundation, 30 Bond Street, Toronto M5B 1W8 (www.stmichaelsfoundation.com) are welcomed. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.