Obituary of Frances Lillian McHale

McHale Frances McHale ("Fran") June 24, 1915 - March 5, 2007 Attended with love, our dear Mother passed away at Grand Wood Park Residence in London. Daughter of Lillian McPhillips and Harry Turnbull, Mother was born in Winnipeg Manitoba where she attended St. Mary's Academy and started what was to become her lifelong work giving unstintingly of her time and effort to the community at large. Beginning her career as a volunteer with the Canadian Girl Guides, she stayed actively involved with people of all ages, and pioneered programs in the field of gerontology to improve living, health and housing services for the elderly. Her volunteer efforts for senior citizens in London led to full time work with London PUC Recreation Department as Seniors' Supervisor and Seniors' Program Consultant. She demonstrated genuine concern and interest in the problems of others and was resourceful in resolving them effectively. Mother was influential and instrumental in affecting change through her participation in many local, provincial and federal appointments. Mother's work was recognized by numerous awards including among others, the Queen's medal, Corps d'Elite of Ontario, and Province of Ontario Senior Achievement Award. Few could resist mother's friendly charm and spirit of enthusiasm. Her winning smile and the flash of her bright blue eyes won the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know her. Her ingenuity helped her find creative solutions to make the impossible a reality. She dedicated herself to many projects and was persuasive in finding the right people to help her achieve those commitments. She was an inspiration to many, generously sharing her energy, time and knowledge. Throughout her long life, she found personal enjoyment through books, music, nature, and her love of family. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert, Ted, and our father, John Joseph McHale. Left to grieve and celebrate her release are her children Martha (David Cassidy), Virginia "Ginger" (Joseph Metron), Frances (Ian Dowdeswell), John (Sharon) and her sister Linda Vezina, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mother has left a legacy of love for her 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who will always remember and miss the ready smile and bright eyes of their "Khale". Visitors will be received at the John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, London on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock. Funeral Mass at St. John the Divine Church, 390 Baseline Rd., W., on Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Interment in St. Peter's Cemetery. Prayers Thursday evening at 7:30 o'clock. Donations to St. John the Divine Church Building Fund would be appreciated.