Frances Perry Harte
Death: September 8, 2020
Frances Perry Harte passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 8, 2020. Born in Maidstone, England, and arriving in Canada as a young girl with her father and sister Margaret, Frances has been a proud Canadian ever since.
Beloved Mother of her 5 children, Lynda (Gary) Haycock (predeceased), Nancy Harte (predeceased), Joyce (Kevin) Little, Donald (Deborah) Harte, and Glenna Harte (Gerry Binga).
Frances is survived by her nine grandchildren, Phillip (Angela), Aaron (Melanie), Chris, Stacey (Graeme), Brodee (Sarah), Alanna (Lee), Stephanie, Erik (Jennifer), Kayleen (Gerben), and fourteen great grandchildren. Remembered by her many nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Grace Harte.
Frances was an inspiration to all who got to know her, the happiness she brought was uplifting. It was not unusual for her to have the whole supper table in tears of laughter about something silly. She was a role model for her whole family to learn about how to approach life in the best possible way.
Financially she made something out of very little (the joke was she either had a money machine or had found that money tree) supporting a family and maintaining a summer residence. Asked “What did you do today” and her response was “I am not sure but I was busy all day doing it”. She loved nature and all that grew around her; the gardens she grew were the envy of all that viewed them. Her philosophy was to wake up, take a breath, and say “What can I accomplish today”.
Frances showed Cancer what the word “Fight” really meant. She led her family by being the best role model possible. She had great fun over the years with her special friends from the bank and the cottage and will be missed by everyone that knew her.
There will be a private graveside Service with interment at Robin Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wildwood Lake, St. Marys, Ontario, Cottage #16, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, on Saturday October 10, 2020 (please be mindful of COVID restrictions).
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Woodstock Hospital Foundation-Palliative Care Unit are appreciated and may be made directly, or by cheque through Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock (519-290-5575) entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.wareingcremation.ca
So sorry to hear the passing of your mother. looking forward to the celebration at Wildwood.
Glenna, I am so sorry to read about your moms passing. In reading I can see she had a full life filled with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Such a blessing. I fondly remember visiting your cottage although I know I wasn’t keen on the mucky bottom. May all your special memories help you through this time. Jane Murray (Lawson )
Since we got our cottage in 2003, we enjoyed seeing Frances tend her beautiful garden and the smiling neighborly greetings she always gave us. We came up from Texas every year for the whole summer and enjoyed seeing her flowers proliferate. She was such an inspiration. Once, a few years ago, when we were leaving at the end of the season, I had a beautiful orchid plant that needed a new home. Of course I thought of Frances. She was sitting on her porch – we went up to give her the orchid and you would have thought we had handed over the Crown Jewels to her! Such a precious person. We were lucky to have her as a neighbour. May she Rest In Peace. Sincere condolences to her family. My husband passed away in 2018 but I know if he were here, he would join me in saying that Frances was a bright spot in our little corner of nature at Wildwood. After I lost John, I thought I would never be able to stay at the cottage again, being there on my own. But then I thought of Frances – and I managed to brave it, actually stayed there alone for awhile and decided not to sell, and started hosting family and friends there again. Once COVID ends, I will be back – but it won’t be quite the same without Frances and her garden