Obituary of Frances Hazel Davison

DAVISON: Frances Hazel. It is with great sorrow that our family announces that on February 17, 2014, Frances Hazel Davison (née Madill), beloved wife of Bill and dear mother of five children, died in her sleep at the age of 84 years. Fran was born in Elgin, Manitoba on April 9, 1929, to Lorne and Elizabeth Madill. During her teens Fran was a devoted farm helper, driving the tractor, cultivating and hauling grain at threshing time. She loved nature and cared for animals. Fran was equally renowned for her impeccable sense of style, carrying herself with remarkable grace. Following completion of high school in Souris, Fran attended Normal School and was soon teaching grades three, four and five at Gretna, MB. It was during this time that Fran met Bill Davison, her future husband, who was teaching at the same school. They were married in August of 1950, on the Madill family farm south of Souris. Fran became a fulltime mother as Bill's career took them to communities in Southwestern Manitoba. When Bill became a superintendent, the family settled and finished raising their children in Hamiota. After her children were grown, Fran attended Brandon Mental Health Centre to become a psychiatric nurse, distinguishing herself by graduating Valedictorian and Gold Medal winner. As an RPNC, Fran was loved by her patients because of her compassionate nature. Over the next decade her career took her to Brandon, Calgary, and Winnipeg. In 1985, Fran returned to the Kenton Farm with Bill, to enjoy her animals and her beautiful, large garden. Two decades later, having moved to Brandon, Fran volunteered in the Mother and Baby Unit of Brandon General Hospital. She took a great interest in everyone she met, especially children. She lived out her final years in Brandon with Bill at her side, surrounded by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fran is predeceased by her sister Ethel and survived by her sisters, Phyllis, Lillian and Lorna. She is also survived by her beloved husband William and close knit family of five children: Dale (Anne) of Crandall, Chris (Kathy) of Halifax, Ryan (Jody) of Medicine Hat, Kim (Iris) of Halifax, Mischa of Saskatoon; eleven grandchildren, Dylan (Julia), Micah (Jen), Robin (Helena), Hannah, Morgan, Evan (Diana), Trent, Diana, Sula, Emma (Shanna) and Jonah; and eight great-grandchildren. We are consoled by the legacy of her spirit that touched the lives of everyone she knew. A private family service was held, followed by a come and go reception for family and friends at Prairie Oasis on Saturday, February 22, 2014. Donations in memory of Fran may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation "Pediatrics/NICU", 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of choice.