Frances BEAM

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BEAM: Frances Marion Beam (nee McCrae), beloved wife of Tom, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at her residence at Rideau Park Personal Care Home. Frances was born on June 24, 1921 to Eliza and Campbell McCrae. She was the youngest of eleven children: Jennie, William, Annie, Campbell, Peggy, Harriet, Irene, Les, Don, Alice and Frances -all deceased. Every summer, Frances and her sister Alice looked forward to visiting the family in Big Beaver, Saskatchewan. During the war, Frances worked at the Number One Manning Depot, where she met her first husband Aubrey Melvin. They married on October 28, 1939. Their children, Georgina and Jim were born after the war. Aubrey passed away suddenly on November 17, 1961. Frances went back to school. She then began working at the Assiniboine Physiotherapy Center attached to the Sanatorium; then worked at the Brandon Mental Health Center in the Patient Trust Office until her retirement in 1986. She was one of the founding members of the MGEU. Frances enjoyed being a Brownie and Guide leader for many years. She was an avid curler all of her life. Frances and Tom met at the curling rink. She then asked him to skip her rink in a bonspiel. They won! After meeting Tom, her outdoor adventures began: fishing, camping, travelling in Canada and the US. After a long courtship, they married on August 18, 1979. Tom's three sons became a part of Frances' family as well: Rick, Ed and Gerry (deceased November 2009). Upon their retirement, they travelled to Barbados, Grenada, and Great Britain. After a bad fall and failing health, Frances entered Rideau Park Personal Care Home in January 2002, where she remained until her passing. Tom was devoted to Frances, visiting her regularly twice a day for nine years, missing very few days. Frances is mourned by her husband Tom; children, Georgina (Edwin) Kimber; Jim (Evelyn) Melvin; Rick (Gwen) Beam; Ed (Karen) Beam: Lizanne Beam (Gerry's widow). She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Genene and Norma; Mathurin, Gaelan and Morgan; Richard, Angela and Michael; Jennifer, Megan and Robin; Robert, John, Natasha, Tyler, Amanda, Alex and Jeremy: ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral service was held at St. George's Anglican Church, on Saturday, January 22, 2011 with the Rev. Jim Brown officiating. Interment of her ashes took place at the Brandon Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Rideau Park Personal Care Home for their comfort, care and concern shown to Frances over the last nine years. Thanks also to Vern Schneider and staff of Memories Chapel for their expert guidance and assistance at this difficult time. If friends so wish they may make a donation to the charity of choice in Frances' memory. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. "We celebrate Frances' life and her spirit that lives with us all."

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 29, 2011