Obituary of Mrs. Frances Eileen McNally
Frances Eileen McNally (Brooks) passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on Sunday, January 16, 2022 in the Birchmount Hospital (Scarborough Grace) after a battle with diffuse large b cell lymphoma.
Born on Valentine’s Day, 1945 in Brantford, ON to parents Francis John Brooks (Kent, England) and Dorothy Eileen (Van Valkenburg) Brooks (Brantford Ontario Canada), love, care and compassion were to be pillars of Frances’ life. Growing up on a farm, and being involved in the 4H club, instilled a care for plants and animals. This care would lead her to a career in nursing. Graduating from the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing in 1965, she went on to provide compassionate care to the people of Toronto at Drs Eisen and Bernstein, Gynecology and Obstetrics office at Mount Sinai hospital in downtown Toronto.
On October 12th 1968 she married her best friend, Larry Robert McNally. Before having their children, Lynne and Jeff, they travelled and explored Europe together. Fran continued her love of travel in her retirement years, and took joy in searching for lighthouses while visiting Florida with Larry.
While spending most of their adult lives living in Toronto, Fran and Larry found a second “home” and community at their cottage in Penetanguishene. Always enjoying the beauty of nature, Fran expressed this through her beautiful tole paintings, attending garden tours, watching the hummingbirds at the feeders outside her window, and the tulips she planted in her garden. She was active in her church communities and was always available with an ear to listen and shoulder on which to lean. Fran enjoyed participating in programs such as card making, painting, drumming and yoga at the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre where she made many dear friends. These later years also saw the arrival of her grandchildren, Evan, James and Lauren, who gave her much joy.
Being a nurse herself and serving so many people for so long, Frances knew and appreciated the efforts being made on her behalf as she found herself in hospital and being cared for by other nurses. Her family is grateful to the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at Birchmount Hospital/Scarborough Grace for their care and support during this time. Gratitude is also expressed to the friends and neighbours who have been there in big ways and small. This caring has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.
Fran is survived by her husband Larry; children Lynne (Aaron), and Jeff (Melissa); grandchildren Evan, James, and Lauren; and many friends. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
The memorial service is to occur on Saturday, January 29th, 2022 Visitation at 2:00pm, service to follow at 3:00pm at the Ogden Funeral Home in Toronto by invitation only due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please RSVP with a family member if you would like to attend in person. Everyone, however, is invited to join in honouring Fran’s life via the online live streaming option. We invite you register by using the link available on the Ogden Funeral Home website. Interment will be held privately for the family at a later date at the Blair cemetery in Cambridge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre by mail (45 Edward Street, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1J8) or online (https://gbcancersupportcentre.ca/donate-today).
The LORD Is My Shepherd- Psalm 23 KJV
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
