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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: jim and darlene kraus
Relation: golf and friend
our deepest sympathy to you and your family
From: Dava Fulford
Relation: family
Peter, Nancy, David & family;
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Fran was such a special and generous soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dava
From: charles and Jill ennals
Relation: friend and colleague
Dear Pete and family, please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss.Fran was one very special lady and we know you all will miss her dearly. We look forward to our next meeting with you. Fondly, Charles and Jill.
From: Ian Gemmill & Marg Doherty
Relation: Friend
With deepest sympathy to Pete, Nancy, David and the family, from Ian & Marg. We hope that cherished memories will make this difficult time a little easier. Fran was a wonderful friend, and she left us far too soon, but she will be remembered always.
From: Jim and Sheree Dooner
Relation: Friend
I extend my condolences to all of you. I am not able to attend the service but will certainly always remember and cherish the kndness, generosity and humour that Peter and Fran extended to me and my family over the last thirty five years.
I recognize the sadness her passing has caused but hope you all experience brighter days in time.
From: Peter and Wendy Fetchko
Relation: neighbour
So sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. She will be greatly missed by everyone she touched.
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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Send Condolence - For Frances Darling
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