It is with heavy hearts and great sadness our family announces the passing of our mom, Frances Marchand (nee Hickey) at the age of 85. Born in Merlin, Ontario. Cherished daughter of the late William Hickey (1985) and Wilhelmina (Wellwood) (1987). Predeceased by her brother Lyle (1942), sister Claire (1998) (Patty) Flanagan. Survived by her sister Joyce (Marcel) Lacombe. Predeceased by her husband Lawrence R. Marchand, 2021. Loving and proud mother to Claudette (Jim) Bourgeois, Dennis (Alicia) Marchand, Annette Marchand, Yvette (Chris) Oliver. Forever missed by her grandchildren Kurt, Brittany, Brooke and Jake. Missed by many nieces and nephews. Frances graduated from teachers College in Toronto Ontario at the age of 17. She began her teaching career in 1953 at St. Francis school in Tilbury, where she was much loved by her students and staff. Upon her retirement from teaching, she started her very successful income tax business which she loved. You could find her in her office crunching numbers well into the evening. She retired from her tax business at age 80. Frances was a smart kind, loving, caring and generous person not only to her family but anyone needing help. One year, a busload of students were stuck on the 401 in a snowstorm. Using a CB, Frances got all of the children’s names and phone numbers to call every one of their parents to let them know their children were safe. Frances loved to travel, Hawaii, Las Vegas (she loved gambling), Cuba, and the Mediterranean. Frances took each of her grandchildren to Florida to experience Walt Disney World as well as flying to Alberta to experience the West Edmonton Mall. And of course, trips to Niagara Falls every year. She was the BEST Gram ever. The Marchand family would like to express a very special thank you to Bert and Betty Reaume, neighbours and friends of our parents for over 60 years. They have provided much care, time and kindness to our family during these difficult months. A mother is a special gift
One you think will stay
You will never think the day will come when she will go away.
To us, you were special
Loving, kind, and true
You never will be forgotten
We thought the world of you
Your memory is a keepsake
With which will never part
God has you in his keeping
We have you in our hearts.
In life we love you dearly
In death we love you still
We know you walk beside us
And when our lives are through
We pray that God will take our hands and lead us straight to you. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association , Chatham Kent Hospice or a charity of your choice. A private service will take place at a later date.