Obituary of Frances Boucher

Frances passed away peacefully on Saturday March 9, 2013 in Dawson Creek, BC at the age of 82 years. She was born at home on the farm, near the town of Meeting Creek, Alberta on August 31, 1930 to Adolph and Edith Soderstrom, and she was the youngest of their five children. In the spring of 1917 the Soderstrom's heard the gospel, and so Frances was raised in a home rich with the teachings of Jesus. She later made it her own, and continued her walk with Jesus throughout her life. Although she was born in the dirty 30's, 1930 to be exact, if her family was ever hard up she always said she never knew it. Her mother she remembers would say, "I don't care for gravy", or some such thing, but looking back Frances knew she probably felt there was not enough to go around, for 5 children and her dad. She rode the 3 miles to school every day on the back of her horse Babe, behind her older sister Mabel. Babe would always try to be ahead of the other riders, and If one horse started to trot, Babe would do what she had to, to get ahead. It usually ended up with the girls having a very fast ride home. Sometimes Babe would try to knock the girls off using a tree branch that hung over the road. One day Babe was successful and knocked the girls to the ground and raced home alone. Her Dad loved to go to the auction sales. Sometimes he would bring home something and her mom would say, "What did you buy that for?" Her dad would always say, "well..., it might come in handy sometime." One day her dad came home and told her to go out and look in the wagon box. Wonder of wonders there stood an organ. She jumped up and began to play right there in the back of the wagon. Her brother Marvin played the guitar and many happy evenings were spent playing together for the enjoyment of the family. Her family moved to Dawson Creek in 1943, where Frances grew up and attended school. It was there she met and married her loving husband Joseph in 1956. Together they raised their three children. The family moved to Hudson Hope in 1963 where they stayed until 1968. Joe worked on the construction of the WAC Bennett Dam and Frances concentrated on raising her growing family. They moved back to Dawson Creek where Frances was a homemaker and provided loving care to her three children and aging mother and mother-in law. Her love and expertise of sewing for her children lead her to start a small business. She opened Fran's Fabric's, and taught sewing lessons in the back room, as well as holding sewing classes at the Dawson Creek Vocational School. They moved to Pouce Coupe for a short time, before buying the Pioneer Motel and moving to Fort Nelson, where they resided until Joe fell ill and the business was sold. After Joes passing, Frances returned to make her home in Dawson Creek, where she happily resided for the rest of her life. Back in Dawson Creek, she felt extremely privileged to have a home where fellowship meetings could be held. She continued to provide an open home where the meetings that were so dear to her heart could continue, even when it was necessary for her to move into a care home. Frances was a lady of many talents. She is fondly remembered for her musical abilities. She played by ear as well as note, and could pick up and play the guitar, violin, piano, organ, accordion, or harmonica. Her beautiful sewing and needlework is still displayed and enjoyed by her family. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for all those who helped care for, and remembered their mother during her stay in the care home. This meant the world to mom and all the visits brightened her last days. Our mother was a wonderful woman. She was caring, thoughtful, hardworking, compassionate, loving, and so much more. She was always there, to guide us and support us, leading by example. It is so difficult to sum up in just a few words how much she meant to us. She will forever be in our hearts and minds. Frances Boucher, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2013 in Dawson Creek at the age of 82 years. A visitation for Frances was held from 12:00 -1:00 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013 from Reynars Chapel. Funeral services followed at 1:00 pm. Frances was laid to rest in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. Frances was predeceased by her husband Joseph, her parents Adolph and Edith Soderstrom, and her four siblings, Oliver, Marvin, Marie, and Mabel. Frances is survived by her children; Debra Patterson of Dawson Creek BC, Stan (Andrea) Boucher of Ft St John, BC, Laurie (Ken) Bergestad of Prince George, BC. She was a precious grandmother to Lara Patterson, Tracie Lloyd, Kailey Patterson, Christopher Bergestad, Drew Bergestad and numerous nieces, nephews, and the many friends and acquaintances that were fortunate to have known her and been touched by her loving spirit. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Frances to the Dawson Creek Rotary Manor 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 5A3. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium