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FRANCES HELEN ATWELL
Born: Aug 03, 1923
Date of Passing: Sep 20, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryFRANCES HELEN ATWELL August 3, 1923 - September 20, 2015 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Frances Helen Atwell, who departed peacefully with family by her side, at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 92. Frances was preceded by her parents, Ernest and Beatrice Brown, her dear grandmother Nellie Bell, and her sister Gloria Rodriguez. Frances is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, George Ivan Henry Atwell, seven children Carol (Richard), Judy (Paul), Jocelyn (Kenneth), Gerry (Marnie), Vincent (Angela), James (Suzanne), and Cathy (Simon), seven grandchildren Sean (Angie), Carla (Darrin), Brendan (Jarita), Nicola, Bennet, Kim and Julien, and two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Jacob. Frances attended Machray, Holy Ghost, Immaculate Conception and St. John's Tech schools and like her mother, became involved with Girl Guides, becoming a Captain and earning her Gold Cord. Frances took voice and violin lessons and sang as a mezzo-soprano with several choral groups including the James Duncan singers with which she appeared professionally on CBC radio. In 1948 she was a finalist in the Winnipeg Rose Bowl vocal festival competition. The family home at 298 Charles Street became well known as a place where old and new friends could gather on a Sunday evening and sing around the piano often played by Frances' mother, Beatrice. With the encouragement of her neighbourhood druggist, Mr. Vineberg, Frances entered Pharmacy at University of Manitoba and graduated in 1948 in a class of 29 which included only five women. Frances went on to work as a pharmacist for over 60 years at St. Boniface, Children's and Grace hospitals as well as The Bay downtown, Ringers in Fort Garry and of course her local St. Norbert Pharmacy, with her last years of employment at the Meadowood Pharmacy in St. Vital. In 1949, George Ivan Henry Atwell arrived from Trinidad to study at the University of Manitoba. On his second day in Winnipeg, seeking accommodations, he knocked on the door of the Charles Street boarding house owned by Frances' family. Four years later George and Frances were married and started a family that would eventually include seven children, Carol, Judy, Jocelyn, Gerry, Vincent, James and Cathy. George became a school teacher and naval reserve officer and started a honey beekeeping operation. Frances was a highly intelligent, thoughtful and wise person. She kept up with current affairs and politics and had a wide range of interests. She loved music and self-taught, she played the piano beautifully and often sang her children to sleep at night when they were small. She was a kind and loving mother and even with seven children, managed to make each feel nurtured and special. Mom was of the generation that baked their own bread and made dinners from scratch. Frances touched the lives of many people with her kindness and generosity of spirit. In St. Norbert, she was a mom to the entire neighbourhood and welcomed all. In fact, Mom instilled a culture of altruism in the household. Frances officially retired from pharmacy at age 69, but continued to take on occasional shifts at places she enjoyed working well into her 70s. She loved her pharmacy career and the role of serving the community. She and Dad enjoyed Ballroom Dancing, Scrabble, computer lessons and attending the Opera with friends and most of all she cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Earlier this year, Dad and Mom moved from their home of over 50 years on St. Gabriel Avenue in St. Norbert, to Deer Lodge Centre. In her last few weeks Dad would look forward to her cheerful greetings each day and Mom's eyes would light up when Dad entered the room. We are proud of the brave way in which she left us and wish we could all go as bravely. We thank God for the example of dignity that she provided us. We love you Frances and you will live on in the hearts of your husband, children, grand and great-grandchildren and the generations not yet born. Pallbearers are Bennet Atwell, James Atwell, Brendan Kinley, Simon Langis, Caleb Williams and Sean Williams. Celebration of Frances Atwell's Life will be on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Public viewing at 9:30 a.m. Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow. Many thanks to the staff and loving residents of Lodge Six East, Deer Lodge Centre for their kindness and care of our mother during her six months residence. We would also like to thank the South Winnipeg W.R.H.A. Home Care team for many years of dedicated care and friendship shown to both our parents while caring for Mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances' memory to an organization of your choice. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-586-8044
Publish Date: Sep 26, 2015
FRANCES HELEN ATWELL On Sunday, September 20, 2015, Frances Helen Atwell, beloved wife of George Ivan Henry Atwell, passed away at the Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 92 years. Longer obituary will follow. Cropo Funeral Chapel, 204-586-8044
Publish Date: Sep 22, 2015
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2015
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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Our deepest condolences to the Atwell family. Even with seven children an extra around the lunch table at their home was always welcomed. The best pancakes ever! May God Bless you All. - Posted by: Susan Coss (Moreau) and Moe Coss (Friend of Carol's) on: Oct 02, 2015
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Condolences to the sweetest family in Winnipeg on the loss of your dear Mother. Mrs. Atwell was a very warm hearted, friendly face who welcomed everyone that came to the family home. Those of us who came with guitars and amps were most welcome and our equipment became part of the living room furnishings. Mrs. Atwell will be missed by all of us. She was one of a kind. - Posted by: Roy Whittleton (family friend) on: Sep 29, 2015
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My sincere condolences to Mr. Atwell and his family on the passing of Mrs. Atwell. I remember visiting the Atwell's home in St. Norbert in the 1960s. It was a very welcoming place full of life. What I really remember were the bees! May the Lord wrap His arms around your family during your time of great loss of a truly remarkable woman who embodied kindness, compassion and hospitality. - Posted by: Thuraya deBeer Weedon (My parents Daniel & Beidi deBeer were friends of George & Frances. ) on: Sep 29, 2015
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I first met Mrs. Atwell after Carol invited Theatre St. Jeunese group back to the Atwell home. Mrs Atwell went around the group greeting everyone and welcoming them. She spoke with each one of us and showed kindness and interest in us all. Over the many years that followed Mrs. Atwell was always that same kind, warm and interested lady. Both Jim and I send our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and hearts. - Posted by: Jennifer Gyles and Jim Wilderman (Friends of the family) on: Sep 28, 2015
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My condolences to the Atwell Family...Frances was such a lovely Lady...May God wrap His loving arms around you all in this time of sadness.. - Posted by: Darlene (Machdanz) Weir (Aquaitance) on: Sep 28, 2015
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My condolences on the passing of your mother. May your memories sustain you during this time of loss. - Posted by: Armin Wiebe (Former classmate of Carol's at U of M) on: Sep 28, 2015
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My deepest thoughts and my condolences to the Atwell family. Mrs.Atwell was a wonderful person, she was like a mother to, and I'm truly sad to hear of her passing and also didn't get a chance to pay my last respect. May God bless her and keep her. She was truly a wonderful person without any doubt. My condolences to the Atwell family. - Posted by: John Charles (Family Friend. ) on: Sep 28, 2015
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What I remember of Frances is a genuine smile, care and attention to people she interacted with and a warmth that always made me feel welcome and comfortable. I recall a visit when I was young with our family travelling from Calgary to Winnipeg. We spent some fun hours singing songs from Godspell and Frances was tickled by our jubilant energy with Gerry and his older siblings. Our thoughts are with you all, glad to hear she was with you, her family as she passed on. she was a pure and genuine soul. - Posted by: Martin & Yvonne McSween & Markotic (Martin' mother was a niece of Frances and George (from George's side) making me a great nephew. My m) on: Sep 27, 2015
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I called her friend for over 30 years. My friendship with her family started with Frances. My deepest sympathies and much love to all of the family - Posted by: bev ray (friend) on: Sep 27, 2015
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May God surround each family member with His loving arms in your time of sorrow - Posted by: Lepoidvin family (friends) on: Sep 27, 2015
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God holds your sorrowing heart in His loving hands. God Bless you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Oliver Gardner, Efa and Faridat Etoroma (Long time friends of the family (Evelyn Gardner used to sing with Frances)) on: Sep 27, 2015
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Condolences to my Uncle George and the entire family, from your Trinidad family! - Posted by: Karen Atwell (Niece) on: Sep 27, 2015
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So sorry for your loss, Gerry and the rest of the Atwell family. Your mother was a wonderful woman and an inspiration. She will be well-mourned and much missed. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Heulwen Zilla Jones (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2015
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Condolences to Gerry and his family. Your mother Frances' life was a gift to the entire community and especially to her family. You can be sure that she will live on forever through you. - Posted by: Laura Steiman (acquaintance of Gerry through volunteerism) on: Sep 26, 2015
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I did not have the privilege to meet your family Gerry, but knowing how wonderful person you are sheds light on how wonderful your Mother and Father were and the rest of the family. Hard to say see you one day to living with the wonderful memories we have. There will be tears and then a wonderful memory will pop in your head...Embrace your loss and know that she is in peace and will be there to welcome each of you home when it is time..May God comfort all of you at this time. - Posted by: Lillian Harrison (Friend to Gerry Atwell) on: Sep 26, 2015
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The Obituary reminded me of the reasons that I wished to emulate Aunt Frances. She influenced me to be confident in my life choices and that there does not have to be division between career, family, ambition and education. All can be pursued with balance. I love her and will miss her. - Posted by: Rachel McSween (She was my Great Aunt) on: Sep 26, 2015
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My deepest sympathy and condolences to the whole Atwell family on the passing of such a wonderful lady. - Posted by: Robert Champagne (Friend of Gerry Atwell) on: Sep 26, 2015
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Mr George Atwell and family. We join you in the celebration of the life of Mrs Frances Helen Atwell. A great Mama, a dedicated pharmacist, a great community leader and a humble mother. May her soul rest in peace. - Posted by: Professor Jerry O. Kuye and Ms Olivia S. Davids from Pretoria, South Africa (Close family friend ) on: Sep 24, 2015
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To the Atwell Family. I recall saying hello Mrs Atwell who worked in the St. Norbert Drug Store, as it was called back then. She would always say Hi to me and chit chat in her soft voice with a smiling face when I would come see my mom Cathy, and my Aunt Dorothy who also worked there. Mrs. Atwell was a kind and gentle sole. Very well respected and admired. A long life she has lived and now I wish her a happy eternity. Wishes from Cheryl(nee Gerbrandt)and Tim Hurley - Posted by: Cheryl Hurley (nee Gerbrandt) (Mrs.Atwells son, Gerry's friend) on: Sep 24, 2015
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Hearts go out to Carol, Richard, Brendan, Nicola and all the Atwell family. - Posted by: Janet Kinley, Kathryn Kinley and Wes Grycki (Extended family) on: Sep 23, 2015
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My thoughts and love are with you all at this time. Mrs. Atwell was very kind and generous. - Posted by: Brigitte Bisson (friend) on: Sep 23, 2015
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Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. She is the dearest, always an open door to come and visit and would cook you something to eat. It's a sad time so let's celebrate the life of one of God's angels from the Pelland Family. - Posted by: Darrell Pelland (Friend) on: Sep 22, 2015
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Our condolences to George and family. We still remember those good years when we were neighbours back in the '60s. - Posted by: Hubert & Colette Mangin () on: Sep 22, 2015
