In Memory of Francine Woodard
It is with tremendous sadness and grief that we announce the passing of Francine Julia Woodard at the tender age of 62. Francine fought a brave 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, but on the early morning of August 9, the fight was over. In all that time however, she never wavered in her determination to keep going and to be there for her family and friends. Francine will be greatly missed by her husband Bob Woodard, son Matthew Love, daughter Lindsay Love (Jason Grolway), grandchildren Chase, Mason and Nova, and stepsons Luke and Cameron Woodard. Her sister Louise Cram (Bill) predeceased her in March of 2020. She will be fondly remembered and admired by her sister Carole Bergeron (Jean-Pierre) as well as a very large extended family, her adopted Woodard family in Calgary and by her many friends and neighbors.
Francine was born in Ottawa on October 27, 1958, daughter to the late Aubert and Helene (nee Cariere) Forget. She enjoyed a 23-year career as a public servant working for Transport Canada, in which time she rose to the position of Issues Manager. She dealt directly with the Director General in providing accurate information on many major events including the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Besides her family however, her greatest passion was her love for home design and décor. Francine always had a renovation project on the go (sometimes to Bob’s frustration) and her ability to transform a room into a beautiful living space was truly special.
Francine was a fighter. She endured many struggles in her life but her later years with Bob were spent enjoying family gatherings, extensive domestic and international travel, and evenings of repose and gentle conversation.
A private celebration of life will be held in her honor at the Heritage Funeral Complex in Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or Parkinson’s Canada.
Francine and I were friends as children. We met in grade 5 and were inseparable for many years following. I think I spent fifty percent of my time in the house on Magnus and I slept there almost every weekend in her room in the basement. The family dog Toby bean was always on the bed with us. We always had fun in the pool, she taught me how to go under water, and if the weather was cool we would be in her room looking at magazines and reading comic books. Frank (her nickname by me) I’m sorry we didn’t keep in touch more over the years. I miss our time together, they are great memories. ❤️ You forever
In the too few brief times I got to meet with Francine when she and Bob made the arduous trek to the west or the times when she and Bob hosted me in their home I got to see an incredibly strong and brave woman. Once when I picked her and Bob up at the airport in Victoria in a car with an expired license plate we had to overnight in a motel and walk a couple of kilometers to recover my car from the police impound, instead of being annoyed as I expected she though it was hilarious and seemed to quite enjoy teasing me about it.
Her sense if humour and bravery never failed her and made it possible to want to do all we could to help her without pitying her.
I know I can speak for my whole family when I say that earlier in the year we were looking forward to hers and Bob’s trip to Calgary and we were all disappointed to learn that she couldn’t make the trip. Her rapid decline and passing was a shock to us all. We will miss her.
Through brother Bob we were fortunate to get to know Francine. Even more than her determination and strength, we will remember her wicked sense of humour. She could be very entertaining. We had the pleasure of travelling with Francine and Bob to Mexico on several occasions, and despite her health challenges, she was always game to pursue a good time. When we travelled to Ottawa, Francine always welcomed us with open arms and succeeded in being a great host. We will miss Francine’s friendship and inspiration. Bob, we are with you in spirit. And to Lindsay and Matt, and all of Francine’s extensive family, we mourn with you and wish you the best as you carry on, Mick and Gail
My condolences. I’m so shocked to learn of Francine’s passing, and want to send my sincere condolences to family and friends.
I worked with Francine at Transport Canada, when she shared with me she was diagnosed with Parkinson. Then later, i remember her telling me shad met a great man, Bob.
Francine had such a great spirit, and loved her children her sistersand her Dad. May her beautiful sould rest in peacr. Am glad to have known her.
I am so sad to hear of Francine’s passing. We worked together at Transport Canada and were quite good friends. We went through several personal issues together. After I moved from Ottawa back to Kingston we kind of lost touch unfortunately. She was a very strong person and I know that she loved her children immensely. I remember Lindsay and Matthew being so small. I know that they are strong adults now with their own children.
I was also sad to hear of her older sister’s passing before her. Life is so short. This is a real reminder. Thinking of all of you.