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Frances Agnes Heard
April 22, 1928 - June 3, 2026
Tribute
Fay passed away on June 3rd, 2026, in Duncan. She was born in North Vancouver to Tommy and Nan Nelson and spent an idyllic youth there, graduating from North Vancouver High. She graduated from UBC in 1950 and moved to Duncan, where she married fellow North Vancouverite Lance (pre-deceased 2007), and became a much-loved teacher at Cowichan High School where her kindness and steady encouragement left a lasting impression on her students. Mom left Cow High in 1957 to start a family, then in the early ‘70’s obtained her librarianship degree at UVIC and spent many happy years as the librarian at Alexander Elementary School. In retirement, she and dad moved to Honeymoon Bay where she enjoyed an active social life at the lake, gardening, and summers full of visitors, as well as many travel adventures in Canada and abroad.
The doors to Fay’s home were always open; Mom made everyone feel welcome and seen – she was genuinely interested in each person. Over the years she gave generously of her time and was involved in many volunteer and service groups, with the Girl Guides and Trefoil Guild being especially important to her, and the King George Seniors Affordable Housing in Lake Cowichan. She was a nature lover and a longtime supporter of environmental and social justice issues.
Growing up between the two great wars, Mom was a depression era baby which left a lasting impression on her, and she personified the best of that generation. Her glass was always more than half full and she woke up every day radiating positivity and a love of life which impacted others. One always felt better after talking with Fay. Her wise, easy ways and cheerful character will be deeply missed by her children Sean (Jill), Evan, Shelagh (Shane), and Kevan (Dana), as well as her beloved grandchildren Alison, Shannon, Max, Riley, Hannah, Elliott, Todd, Crosby and Tia. Special thanks to Phoebe and Bob Randall, and the wonderful caregivers at Sunridge Place. A gathering of family and friends to honour Mom will be held at a later date.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Tracy Fry
Relation: Friend's mum
Dear Kevan, Evan, Sean, Shelagh and family:
I am so sorry to read of Fay’s passing; she was truly one of my most favourite people on the planet, and some of my best memories are of spending summers in the cabins at Honeymoon Bay with the rest of the crew. Fay was always there with interesting conversations and discussions, and she very much made sure everyone was seen. Fay was nothing if not inclusive, and she was always happy when I spent such a ridiculous amount of time going through her fabulous bookshelves. 🙂 Coupled with Lance, you guys had the most entertaining parental unit of all the time. Fay will be much missed, and she was very much loved.
From: Faith Magwood
Relation: Pupil
Although Fay did not teach at Cowichan High for very many years, she certainly left her mark. She was invited to and attended our class reunions (class of 1955), always showing genuine interest in each of us. We will miss her.
From: Heather Cameron
Relation: Friend of the family
Sean, Jill and family,
We were saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Remember to keep your memories close to your heart and know that she will be missed by so many. Sending our condolences to your whole family.
Sincerely,
Heather & Martin Cameron
Chemainus, BC
From: Wendy and Greg Williams
Relation: Family friends
To the Heard Family
We were very saddened to hear of Faye’s passing. We will remember her as being a mum to all of us in her way and we would like to extend our appreciation of Faye and Lance’s generosity in allowing us to be part of the gang of youth who was always welcomed to their home and later their Honeymoon Bay property. Her Sunday night dinners always represented time for family and friends to come together and has left lasting memories. Sending sincere Condolences.
From: Robert R Moore
Relation: Family friend.
Dear Sean, Evan, Shelagh and Kevan,
From Gyro Installations and house parties, through camping and canoe trips to travels together in Canada, Fay & Lance were a big part of our parents’ social life and a memorable part of our growing up in Duncan. Fay’s enjoyment of life was a pleasure to share and a lesson to learn. Wishing you smiles in memories of your Mom.
Bob Moore and Maureen Duncan (Pat & Audrey)
From: Diane Roome
Relation: Lifelong friend of the family
Fay was a wonderful lifelong friend of our mom, Doris. She shall be sadly missed.
Condolences from the Roome family.
From: Roland and Corinne Chow
Relation: Friend
Our sincerest condolences to you Sean ,Jill and family…you are in our thoughts.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
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Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
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