Frances Leahy

1916 - 2017

Frances Gabrielle Carmen Leahy, beloved wife of the late George Leahy, passed away in Taber on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at the age of 100 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 5:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

Frances is survived by her children John (Inge) Leahy of Taber, Denis (Elspeth) Leahy of Calgary, Brenda (Reyn) Johnson of Calgary and Belinda (Fred) Williams of Taber; grandchildren Jordan (Nicki) Williams, Lucas Johnson, Tabatha Williams (Brendan Wiens), Cameron Williams, Maryse (Peter) Doner, Kavan (Benita) Williams, Janet Leahy, Cameron Leahy and Taryn Leahy; great grandchildren Isaac, Abigail, Colby and Knoxlyn. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Donald (Marie) Leahy as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband George D. Leahy and by her siblings and their spouses.

Born into a pioneer family, Frances grew up the youngest of five children, on the Morton ranches around Rosebud and Gleichen and also in Calgary. She attended school in Calgary and studied art in Los Angeles, returning to Alberta to teach at the Banff School of Fine Arts. Frances met George pre World War II and they married in 1948. They moved to Edmonton so George could complete his university degree while Frances worked at the Energy Conservation Board. They moved to the Taber area to farm in 1949 until 1982. Frances and George raised four children, ran a successful farm, yet she still managed to find time to paint and mentor others in the visual arts.

Frances was an active member of the Women’s Institute, St. Augustine’s Catholic Women’s League and was a founding member of the Taber Arts and Crafts.

Family was very important to Frances and George and summers on the farm were filled with visits from aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. She was a devoted grandmother to her nine grandchildren and was privileged to live long enough to welcome four great grandchildren.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Frances’ name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.