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Frances Lorraine Roach
July 4, 1921 - September 14, 2016
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<div itemprop="description">Frances Lorraine Roach (nee Mailman) - Age 95, of Granville Centre, Annapolis County, NS, was peacefully called home to her Lord on September 14, 2016 at the Shannex Enhanced Care, Parkstone Facility, where she had resided for the past 3+ years. <br>Born July 4, 1921 in Lake Pleasant, Annapolis County, NS, the Daughter of Burpee Mailman and Christena Tufts (died 1925 ) and dear stepmother Elsie Allen, all of Lake Pleasant . From a close knit family, Frances lived with relatives in foster care after the death of her Mom, embracing family life again when her Dad remarried when Frances was 8. During her lifetime, Frances lived in many places; always making them “home” (Lake Pleasant, Springfield, Halifax, Port George, Cottage Cove, Granville Ferry, Granville Centre, Walton, Ireland and Lower Sackville.) <br>Striking out on her own at age 15, Frances moved to Port George; employed at Maggie’s General Store, working and living there until she married. Maggie Rafuse remained a dearly loved friend. Frances married Wilbert Roach at 20, moving to the Granville area after WW 2. When asked, Frances was always quick to regale that “her life was her family” being blessed with a loving husband of almost 60 years and six children. When married, it was the desire of this couple to convert to Roman Catholicism which they embraced, actively raised their family in the faith. JESUS CHRIST was the foundation of our home. In her quiet way for many years, Frances washed and ironed all the church linens at St. Louis, making sure these items were always ready for the church celebrations. For 40+ years she was an active member of the CWL at St. Louis. <br>Frances was always a caregiver and nurturer; both as a young girl and an adult. Active in the child care of her brothers and sisters, nursing her grandmother through a stroke, nursing her brother in law through several critical accidents as well as providing support and care for her widowed father-in-law and brothers-in-law during the war years. Husband Wilbert was away during WW 2, then worked away until retirement for most of their married life. Self-reliant and resourceful, Frances was left to steer the ship and take care of family needs; a task she never faltered at or complained about. In her early 50s, Frances decided to learn to drive! In the 1970s, Frances took adult courses in practical nursing as she always had a passion for this industry. Her homemade bread and culinary skills legendary. All were welcome and there was always room for another plate on the table. <br>The grief of personal loss was well known to Frances with her mother dying when Frances was 2 ½, her brother Ronald killed in WW 2 at age 20, her youngest son Bradley drowning at age 17, three bouts of cancer herself - but Frances never lost her grateful heart or positive outlook on life. Frances always reminded those around her that there were folks that were “way worse off that she ways”. Frances always made ‘time’ to whoever needed an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on; young and old alike. She was never “too busy”. Her gentle, kind ways have touched the lives of so many who knew her. <br>Frances was well known for always embracing an attitude of gratitude with that sparkle in her eyes to the end. She never lost her sense of humor, her witty comments nor her kindness and concern for others. Family have been told on many occasions that she brought joy to staff and residents alike at Shannex; always happy and positive. Frances was full of fun; an avid reader, amazing at cards, checkers and had us all up dancing when she would start playing her mouth organ. Could anyone master a crossword puzzle like Frances! <br>Frances is survived by two married Daughters, Linda (Scott) Campbell, Wasaga Beach, ON, and Teade (Steven) Patterson, Lower Sackville, NS as well as three married Sons, Gerald (Nancy McKinnley), Beaverbank, NS, Ronald (Charlotte Bridle), Halifax, NS, and Vernon (Vera Collins), Bonnyville, AB. She is also survived by her dearly-loved sister, Barbara (Stewart Rhodenizer), Bridgewater, NS and her loving brother, Mervyn (Lillian) Mailman, Springfield, NS.. She was blessed with 9 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. <br>Frances was predeceased by youngest Son Bradley (1974), Spouse of 59 years, Wilbert (2001) as well as brothers Ronald and Sheldon and sisters Betty and Mona. <br>Visitation will be held at Atlantic Funeral Home, 125 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville, Sunday, September 18th, 2 -4 PM. Funeral Mass will be held St, Agnes, Roman Catholic Church, 6903 Mumford Rd, Halifax, NS, Monday, September 19th at 10 AM with Father Paul Morris officiating. A reception at the church will immediately follow this service. The next day, burial will be 11 AM on Tuesday, Sept. 20th at St. Louis Catholic Church cemetery at 20-62 Chapel St, Annapolis Royal. A reception after the interment will be held at the Granville Centre Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Assoc. or Palliative Care at the Annapolis Royal Hospital. <br>To the staff of Shannex Enhanced Care, Parkstone Facility, thank you does not seem enough. The family so appreciated your patience, kindness and excellent care for our mother. Kindnesses never to be forgotten. <br></div>