Frances Marie (Young) Smith

Frances Marie Smith (Young), 71, of Innisfil, Ontario

Frances – Francee or Fran to her family and friends - passed away peacefully on June 14, 2021 with family at her side. Frances was born on May 8, 1950, to the Late Frank and Elizabeth (Betty) Young in Aurora, Ontario. She attended Dr. G.W. Williams High School in Aurora, Ontario.  She worked as a telephone operator for most of her 30 plus years with Bell Telephone in Barrie and York Region and briefly in the call centre Georgian College in Barrie.  She maintained close friendships through the years with many of her co-workers.

Frances was recently predeceased by her husband William (Willy/Bill) Smith who passed away January 15, 2021. Francee and Willy met at high school in 1966.  They were married March 7, 1970.  In 2020 they had their milestone 50th wedding anniversary.  William and Francee moved to Stroud (Innisfil) in 1975 where they raised their 3 children, Michael, Steven and Jaclyn.  With William required to work away from home much of the time, Francee was primarily responsible for raising the kids and maintain the home while continuing to work.  They continued to live in the Innisfil community and were actively involved in helping out and being there for their children and grandchildren who lived close by.  The immediate and extended family was always close and involved in each others lives.  Francee, Willy, the kids and grandkids would often get together for cup of coffee or a meal.  Holidays were always a family occasion.  Friends and family were always warmly welcomed into their home.

Francee had a great sense of humour and was often smiling or laughing.  She enjoyed participating in sports, played softball when she was younger and loved watching the Blue Jays.  She enjoyed bowling in a local league for many years.  She would frequently go to the casino or bingo hall and to try her luck- often successfully.  She was a fierce and gifted euchre and crib player.  Francee loved to travel South and enjoyed relaxing in the sun and on the beach.  Francee and Willy went on many trips, including Aruba for their 25th wedding anniversary, the Bahamas to visit family, and various Caribbean islands.  They stayed for months in Florida with close friends and family during the winters.

Frances is also predeceased by her parents Frank and Betty Young, and her brother Steven Young.  Frances is survived by Michael (Stephanie), Steven (Kimberly), Jaclyn, her eight grandchildren Tristan, Quinn, Trask, Teslyn, Storm, Torrance, Alexus and Marcus, her sisters Janie, Barbara (Malcolm), Linda (Bill), and Cindy (Bruce), and all her nieces and nephews.

At the time of her death, Frances apologized to her family saying:

“I have to go.  I love you…but I have to go.”

Mom was a huge part of all of our lives.  We are going to miss you dearly mom, but we understand.  We love you and are glad that you are at peace.

Due to the current pandemic requirements the family plans to have a joint funeral service and interment for Frances and her husband William in the Barrie/Innisfil area at a future date and time to be determined. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie or to a charity of your choosing.