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Frances Darling
August 2, 1951 - March 30, 2013
Tribute
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reverend Frances Marr Darling. Fran was born in Vancouver, BC on August 2nd, 1951 to Frank and Barbara Darling. Predeceased by her father Frank Darling and brother Peter Darling (Nancy Cameron), Fran is survived by her beloved mother Barbara and sisters, Marcia (Mack Scott), Barbara (David Crowther) and Mary (Mike Schepp).
Fran grew up in Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Although she graduated High School in Montreal, she always considered herself a graduate of Winnipeg’s Kelvin High School with lifelong buddies Yael Brotman, Ian Gemmill, Grant Mitchell, Craig Parks, Nick Rice and Brian Sharkey. She then attended McGill University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English. There, she joined the Gama Phi Beta International Sorority, forging deep friendships with sorority sisters Verian Farnsworth, Kathy Fox, Karin Hartner, Linda La Roque, Ann Layton, Elspeth Mackay and Sharron Wall. Following graduation, she worked in Advertising and Public Relations for CKGM Radio. In Montreal, she met her love and partner for life, Dr. Peter Leckie. On September 6th, 1975 they were married and a year later they moved to Vancouver, BC. 1978 saw the arrival of their daughter Nancy Barbara Darling Leckie (Charlebois), and, in 1981, son David Francis Darling Leckie completed their family of four. Next came a move to Duncan BC. There, Fran pursued her career in writing as an editorialist for the Cowichan Newsleader/Pictorial. She was committed to volunteering for a variety of organizations and worked for the Chemainus Theatre and Atchison Palmer Accountants.
In 2005, Fran gained a son in-law with the marriage of Nancy to Commander Dan Charlebois RCN. In 2012, David’s marriage to Lori Ravenstorm added not only a daughter in-law, but also granddaughter Abbey Ravenstorm (1995) to the clan. Her greatest joy came from her granddaughters, Abbey, Emilia Jane Charlebois (2009), and Isla Lee Charlebois (2013).
Over the last decade, Fran pursued her passions for music, writing, and service to others by attending the Vancouver School of Theology. She was granted an award for excellence in preaching, earned a certificate as a Labyrinth Facilitator from Veriditas, and focused her honours work in the area of Christian Education. After a year-long internship at Grace United in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, she graduated with Honours, earning her Masters of Divinity. She was then ordained as a United Church Minister in 2008. She began her Ministry at both Cedar United Church and Chemainus United Church, staying at Chemainus United until her death.
Wife, mother, sister, sister in-law, aunt, friend and minister, our cherished Fran will be forever missed by her family, friends and the many facets of community that she so loved and dedicated her life to.
Communion will be offered from 1:00 p.m to 2:00pm at the New Life Baptist Church,1839 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan BC on Saturday April 13, 2013 followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. Memorial remembrances may be made in the form of a donation to the Chemainus United Church, PO Box 71, Chemainus BC V0R 1K0.
“Bonne nuit, beaux reves. Si tu reve aux anges, tu reves a moi.” (Good night, sweet dreams. If you dream of angels, you dream of me.)
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Gary & Judy Merrett
Relation: golf
We are so sorry for you and your families loss.
From: Marj & Ferd Kallstrom
Relation: hospital
Thinking of you Pete,and Nancy,David and families.It is difficult to find the right words to express our sorrow and relay comfort. Know that we are thinking of you all and we are remembering the beautiful person Fran is. Her beautiful smile and the memory of the two of you as a couple together will remind us of the sanctity of a happy marriage Love and hugs,Marj and Ferd.
From: Mike & Gail Murphy
Relation: Hospital
Pete & Family: Please accept our sincerest condolences at the passing of your beloved Fran, Wife, Mother, Best Friend. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Fran will be greatly missed by all who knew her!!!
From: Gene and Katie Shahariw
Relation: personally and professionally
Katie and I remember with much fondness our relationship with both of you and send our love to you Peter and your family through both our thoughts and prayers at this time. When words escape, we simply offer you our continued friendship..May it ever be so…
From: Sharon Andersen
Relation: Former patient of Dr. Leckie
My condolences to all the family and friends of Reverend Frances. You are in my thoughts.
From: Bob & Lesley Phippen
Relation: Cousin
Barbara, Peter, Nancy, David & families. Our condolances at your loss of Fran. She was a very dynamic woman who affected everyones’ lives she touched in her own way and will be missed greatly.
From: Jo Bodard
Relation: friend through community work
Pete and Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Fran did so much for our community and she brought her 120% to everything she did in life. She will be greatly missed.
From: Glenn Jackson
Relation: Colleague in Ministry
It was with great sadness that I learned on Easter morning in worship in Courtenay of Fran’s death. It was my joy to be her neighbour in ministry from the time of her ordination and appointment to Chemainus and Cedar until my retirement from Ladysmith in 2010. As colleagues we shared a great love for the Church and so many wonderful people who were entrusted to our care. My sincerest sympathy to her family and to all those who knew her as a wise, compassionate and capable minister and friend.
From: Joy Ann Bannerman
Relation: friend
To the family of Rev. Fran Darling
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
The contributions left by Fran at Grace
and the frequent visits to our house will
be long remembered.
Alex & Eunice Bannerman
16 Hillside Ave, Dartmouth
Dartmouth, N.S. B3A 2P8
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
April 13, 2013
Beginning at 12:00pm
Location:
New Life Baptist Church
1839 Tzouhalem Road
Duncan, BC Canada V9L 5L6
1839 Tzouhalem Road
Duncan, BC Canada V9L 5L6
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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