Roma Mary Franklin

Avid reader, ace bridge player, chocolate lover, walking enthusiast and eternal optimist, Roma packed a lot into her 98 years.

Born in Niagara Falls, Roma was the star of her high school. Strong at academics, an athlete and a member of every social club around, she seemed destined for university. Alas, it was the war years and post secondary was just not in the cards. Instead, she moved to Hamilton and launched a career with Bell Telephone.

It was during this time that Roma went on a blind date with a handsome World War Two veteran named Murray. Going out on a date for them meant dancing. Murray often joked he thought he was marrying a much taller woman because, on those dancing dates, Roma always wore very high heels.

They married, moved to Burlington, and had two daughters. They moved again to an acreage north of the city where her daughters grew up.

As someone who firmly believed in education, Roma was dedicated to ensuring both her daughters were able to do what she couldn’t - go to university. Money was tight, but she and Murray always found a way to tuck aside a few dollars to push towards that goal.

After Murray died in 1991, Roma set off on another adventure. She moved across the country to join her daughters in Calgary. There, she made new friends, joined bridge clubs and took up travelling.

Always a huge cheerleader for her daughters and their ambitions, she was also a fantastic grandmother to Jack and Olivia. Right to her last moment, she was always asking how they were and basking in their successes.

At the age of 90, Roma made one more move - this time to Victoria. She was able to take in the warmer weather, the sea breeze, and the flowers.

The past few years for Roma were difficult ones. Failing health made it impossible for her to enjoy some of her favourite things, namely reading and walking. What was left was a love of music and a keen interest in current events. Roma had long been a news hound.

Left to mourn her loss are her daughters Shelley (James), Christine (Bernard) and grandchildren Jack (Alexandria) and Olivia (Sebastian). Cremation has taken place. A private family ceremony will be held in Ontario in the new year.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Mount Saint Mary’s hospital who were so kind to our Mom in her final two years.

No flowers please. Instead, donations to the SPCA would be appreciated.