Frances Simek

1930 - 2018

On Saturday, June 9, 2018 in the early morning hours (her favorite time of the day) with her daughter Lorraine holding her hand, Frances Simek (affectionately known as Granny Fanny) quietly passed away at the Taber Hospital at the age of 88 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to a Celebration of Frances’ life at the Parkside Manor, 4830 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 2:00 P.M.

Frances leaves behind her seven children Cathy (Cam) Hodgen of Lethbridge, Gerry (Sandra) Simek of Lethbridge, Val (Leroy) Holthe of Taber, Roy (Carrie) Simek of Taber, Ken (Corinne) Simek of Taber, Tom (Kristen) Simek of Cranbrook and Lorraine (Darrell) Visser of Lethbridge. She was loved and adored by nineteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She will also be lovingly remembered by her two sisters Lydia McDermott of Billings, Montana and Jeri Albro of Cheyney, Washington and their families.

Frances was born to Joe and Maria Vajdik on February 16, 1930. Growing up on the family farm in Cranford, the eldest of three girls, she acquired a hard work ethic, superb baking skills, perseverance and a quiet dignity.

Frances was a talented and skilled seamstress. Her green thumb made way for her lush english gardens, colorful flower beds and very large vegetable gardens. In her later years, she learned to paint with acrylics, discovering her hidden talent as an artist. She was an accomplished cook and baker and growing up we enjoyed her huge butter horns, cream puffs, cinnamon buns and her "gummy buns" were the grandchildren's favorite! We feasted on many Czech dishes growing up and hopefully we remember how to make them!

Over the years she demonstrated great courage despite a stroke, four pacemakers and declining vision due to macular degeneration. But through it all she kept her "witty sense of humor" and graciously accepted what she could not change. She took life's ups and downs in stride.

The family would like to thank Dr. Leishman and Dr. Hughes, the nursing staff and Taber EMS for their expert care. Thank you to the Clearview Lodge staff for making the last five years safe and dignified for her. To the PCA staff, her "Guardian Angels," thank you for brightening her days, bringing her coffee and for your loving care towards mom.