ANDRAS
The Family of Frances Kay Andras (Nee Ells) is very sad to announce the passing of their beloved wife, mother, nana, sister and sister-in-law. Fran succumbed to a severe brain injury on May 18th, 2011 at the age of 71 years. Right to the end, as in life, Fran demonstrated that fighting spirit; it was that same spirit and attitude that served Fran well through her life. Every challenge, task or hobby was met with 100% commitment. That passion was very evident when it involved family. The youngest of five girls, Fran was born Monday, March 4th, 1940 in Didsbury, AB to Ross and Gudrun Ells. She grew up on the family farm in Bergen, AB, and completed her schooling both in Bergen and Sundre, AB. In October 1957, she met the love of her life, Joe Andras and they were married the following June 7th. They soon moved to Red Deer where they started their life together, soon welcoming Ross on December 28, 1962 and Shelly on November 18, 1964. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, Fran was a talented seamstress and knitter; all new arrivals to the family either received a baby quilt, sweater or both. Her other hobbies included playing bridge, golfing and volunteering for various organizations within the community. In her earlier days, she enjoyed camping, dancing and bowling and loved to travel, especially their winter getaways to Palm Desert. Mom was an awesome cook, family dinners were always a highlight of the week. A spirited conversationalist, Fran enjoyed debating on several topics that interested her over a glass of wine. Left to mourn her loss is her loving husband of 52 years, Joseph Andras of Red Deer, AB; son, Ross (Ruth) Andras of Red Deer, AB; daughter, Shelly (Dan) Morrison of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Logan, Halie, Kellen and Bree; sisters, Vivian Bowman of Victoria, B.C., Merle (Wilf) Ogden of Calgary, AB and Dolores Sumner of Olds, AB; sisters-in-law, Alice Andras of Sundre, AB, Barbara (Jerry) Johnson of Leduc, AB and Margaret Kelly of Los Angeles, CA; brothers-in-law, Al (Andrea) Suba of Trenton, ON and Steve (Dale) Suba of Calgary, AB as well as several nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Ross and Gudrun Ells; sister, Marion Marshall and brothers-in-law Roy Marshall, Roy Bowman, Bill Sumner and Julius Andras. A celebration of Fran's life will be held on Monday, May 30, 2011 at Gaetz United Church (4758 Ross Street, Red Deer) at 1:00 p.m. with a tea to follow at the Red Deer Golden Circle Senior's Centre (4620 - 47A avenue, Red Deer, AB). In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran's memory may be made directly to the Brain Injury Association of Alberta (4916-50 Street, Red Deer, AB, T4N 1X7) or the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation (202 - 5913, 50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4N 4C4).
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting
www.reddeerfuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to
RED DEER FUNERAL HOME
6150 - 67 Street, Red Deer
Phone (403) 347-3319