Obituary of Francesca Elaine Briggs

FRANCESCA ELAINE BRIGGS

June 21, 1953

March 5, 2021

Francesca passed away peacefully on a Friday evening.  She is survived by her soulmate, best friend and husband, Paul Hewitt, and her loving parents, Gloria and Raymond Nice.

Francesca was most passionate about her career.  She started out as a magazine publisher, and building on her unique talents, rose to the rank of Senior Vice-President within the Southam / Hollinger empire.  With a burning desire to give back, she embarked on a second career and became an exceptional fundraiser, as a Principal Gift Officer at United Way Toronto and later as a Senior Advancement Director at Sinai Health Foundation.  She was most proud of her success, raising millions of dollars in support of very worthy causes.  She will be remembered for her love of life, generous nature and kind heart.  She was equally comfortable conversing with a bank CEO as she was with the homeless man outside her local coffee shop.

After a fairy tale wedding and honeymoon in Hawaii, Francesca and Paul travelled locally and around the world, exploring new places and trying new things, including scuba diving.  They shared a love of all animals, but especially dogs.  She became an avid golfer, playing regularly at The National and more recently at TPC Toronto.  They enjoyed their frequent cycling trips to the Toronto Islands, wine tasting tours in The County, and weekly date nights with endless, lively conversation. 

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital and Michael Garron Hospital for their exceptional, empathetic care.

A celebration of Francesca’s life with friends, colleagues and family will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or St. Michael’s Hospital in Francesca’s memory.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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