In Memory of Francine Durand
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Francine Durand, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, Aunt , cousin and friend, who left us peacefully on May 17, 2025, after a short illness. Born on December 1, 1938, in Ottawa, Francine lived a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories, gracing everyone she met with her warmth and humor.
Francine was the cherished daughter of Anasse and Juliette (Séguin) Dumoulin. She shared a deep bond with her family, particularly with her twin sister Micheline(Claude), who was her lifelong companion along with her brother Jean-Claude (Lucienne)and Giselle(John). Francine was also preceded in death by her brother Marcel(Jacqueline) and sisters Lucette (Jean)and Carmen(Bernie) who will surely welcome her with open arms.
Francine’s legacy will live on through her only daughter, Linda, and her favorite son-in-law, Dan, who brought her immense joy. She was a proud grandmother to her five grandchildren: Jeffrey (Kristine), Jonathan, Colin (Monia), Nolan (Julia), and Cole (Annie), who brought her endless happiness and admiration. The love she had for her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Natalie,Easton, and Princess Peyton, was radiant—these little ones were the light of her life, filling her heart with joy.
Throughout her life, Francine was known for her unwavering strength and resilience defeating cancer three times. She possessed a unique ability to make everyone around her feel special and loved. Whether it was through a warm hug, humour or an expertly cooked meal she had a gift for bringing joy to those she cherished.
Visitation service to celebrate Francine’s remarkable life will be held on Thursday May 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 noon at the Heritage Funeral Complex, located at 1250 Trim Road in Orleans, Ontario. All who knew and loved her are invited to join as we honor and remember a truly wonderful woman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Francine’s memory to the Ottawa Humane Society. Francine adored animals and often spoke of the joy they brought to her life.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nurses and doctors at the Civic Hospital, whose compassionate care provided comfort during Francine’s final days. Their kindness and professionalism were a source of solace during a difficult time.
As we bid farewell we remember her as a shining light in our lives, a loving mother, devoted sister, doting grandmother, humorous aunt/cousin and good friend. While she may have departed from this world, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched—reminding us to love deeply, laugh often, and cherish every moment. Rest in peace, you will be missed and forever loved.
Linda, Dan (the hardworking man), the boys, and the great-grandkids — you were all so lucky to have Fran in your lives. She will live on in your hearts as a loving and fun grandma.
We will all miss her dearly.
May she rest in peace 🙏
Sincere condolences to your families, to Aunt Mitch, Aunt Gigi, and Uncle Pompon.
Love you matante ❤️
Pinote et Coco xo
Chers cousin et cousines, je suis tellement surprise d’apprendre le déces de Francine. Je garderai de beaux souvenirs d’elle qui était tellement drôle. Mes sympathies à toute sa famille. Reposes en paix Francine.
“Not sisters by blood but sisters by heart”
This keychain that you gave me a few years ago, really does describe our friendship to the very end. I am going to miss you so much. I will never forget the good times we had together. RIP my friend. Glad we were able to spend some time together when you were in the hospital and had one on one chats together.
My deepest condolences to Linda, Dan, their children and of course Micheline, Gisele, Pompon.
I am so sorry to hear. She was a great person and a good fighter. I am sorry I missed her célébration of Life. I offer my sincère sympathies to the Family.
My condolences Linda, Dan, the boys (spouses), grand-kids and friends.
I will always have so many fond memories of her.
I will remember mostly many laughs, she was always the life of the party. I hope she is having a great time in heaven with her siblings (mom) and friends that she missed so much!!
I love you aunt Fran ❤️ may your beautiful soul rest in peace.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Gen & Jesse
Linda, your family, Aunt Mitch, Aunt Gigi and Uncle Pompon, there was no one in the world like Aunt Francine. She was a special person and loved, loved family. She will always be with you.
Fran (I always called her that) was more than an aunt to me, she was a good friend whom I loved and shared many aspects of both our lives, even since my birth. According to my mother, apparently Aunt Francine and Aunt Micheline were still playing with dolls when I was born, my mother said she had lots of laundry and ironing of baby dresses because for my aunts I was their live doll. They loved to play and dress me up. I soon got to know how special they were.
I was fascinated by and admired my Aunt Fran for being the fun, loving, outgoing and trendy gal she was. Fun does not describe the many times we had. From being a co-work at the medical clinic to bar hopping when in my twenties, partying and just being the caring person, she was and staying over night when needing a bit of companionship.
Fran was also a great, great person for my parents and provided sympathy and companionship for my father when my mother had passed and I will be eternally thankful for that. Every morning my dad would visit Fran and Minette (the cat) they would play SkipBo and dad would say to me “that darn Fran won again this morning at SkipBo”.
I’m a firm believer that when we lose someone close to us, like a mother or sibling, they continue to live on through us and give us unbelievable strength. They’re so connected to us that they become a part of us.
“We will always cherish the wonderful memories we have with your mom. She will be forever missed.”
Lise & Jean-Noel
Here are a few fond images of Fran.
Nos sincères condoléances a Micheline ainsi qu’aux enfants et petits-enfants de Francine. Elle vivera désormais dans vos coeurs.
Claire et Jean-Pierre Perrier
Fran lived her life to the fullest with spontaneity, vitality and panache. She was the “it” girl of every party; always the epicenter of the action and the laughs, with a quick (sometimes naughty) joke and a wink and a nod! It is difficult to accept moving forward without her earthly presence but I am comforted in my certainty that somewhere Fran is surrounded by angels and regaling them with her earthly exploits while they lean in listen and laugh hilariously. She was indeed a unique, remarkable lady and we are all blessed by having flown in her orbit.
Sue and I offer our sincerest sympathies and deepest condolences to Linda and Dan, Micheline, Gisele and Jean-Claude at the passing of Fran. May her spirit live on forever.
Deepest sympathies to Linda, Dan, children, grand children, aunt Mitch, aunt Gisele ,uncle Ponpon & friends of aunt Francine.
I’m so sorry for your loss, she was was truly one of a kind — full of warmth, love, and light. She made a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know her. May her memory bring you comfort and her spirit stay with you always.
Well Fran….I am sure you were watching over your celebration of life event held today. Bravo to Linda and all those that helped make this a beautiful farewell to your life here on earth. The love that was displayed was incredible. I am sure you were smiling.
You will be missed and never forgotten.
Great job Linda.