On Apr 29, 2014, Fran Jones (a.k.a Fran the Florist) passed away in Campbell River General Hospital from leukemia. She is survived by her sons Alan Speck and David Speck and by her grandchildren Geoffrey Speck and Sarah Speck. Alan and David were by her side holding her hands and comforting her when she passed.
She had only been diagnosed about 5 weeks earlier and the onset was quite rapid. The family would like to thank the staff at Campbell River General Hospital for the excellent care that they gave Fran during her final days to keep her comfortable.
Fran was born in Princeton in 1940 and lived in British Columbia her entire life. She moved to Oyster River in approximately 1975 after the death of her second husband, Doug Jones, also from
leukemia. Fran raised her 2 boys as a single mom despite having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis years earlier. She worked
for several years as a Letter Carrier for Canada Post before
eventually opening a flower shop in Willow Point called
“Oyster River Florist”. The business would come to be known as “Campbell River Florist”, and Fran operated it in the
Willow Point plaza for 25 years right up until her passing.
The Campbell River area was the centre of Fran’s world for the last 40 years, and she dedicated herself tirelessly to serving her
community. She was a member of many different committees
and promoted various causes, especially those concerned with
economic and health issues in the region. Some people referred to her as “The unofficial mayor of Willow Point” which gave her quite a chuckle. Fran was also a proud member of the Rotary Club for many years and formed some wonderful friendships there. After surviving breast cancer, she also volunteered to be a support
resource for other women dealing with the disease. In 2012 Fran was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
for her volunteer activities.
There will not be a memorial service held as per Fran’s wishes.
However, she very much wanted her flower shop to remain open and continue serving customers. Campbell River Florist is very much still in business under the management of new owner
Bernice Henry. Fran’s family would like to request
that her customers give Bernice the same terrific
support that they previously gave to her.
Friends and acquaintances are invited to share memories about
Fran on the following tribute page:
http://www.forevermissed.com/frances-marguerite-jones
We miss you mom!