August 23, 1924 - September 11, 2022
Frances MacNeil, 98, of North Vancouver, BC, passed away peacefully on the evening of September 11, 2022, after a short hospital stay, and a weekend with loving visitors who brought her joy. Frances, or “Frankie”, as she was known to friends and family, was born and raised in the Fraser Valley of BC; the second of three children born to James MacEwen
MacNeil and Constance Gwendolyn Powys (Gwen).
Frankie was a wonder, with an incredible life force and constitution that amazed all who knew her. Up until two years ago, Frankie took the bus to work as a bookkeeper, a job she had been proudly doing, in many iterations since attending Sprott Shaw Business College as a young woman. She greatly valued her relationships with work colleagues, many of whom became long-standing friends, and she appreciated being of service through her work. The family would like to acknowledge the support of Frankie’s most recent colleagues at Vista Realty, Gerhard, Wayne and Marika, whom she was especially close to.
With the help of a devoted network of caring friends and family, Frankie spent her final years at her treasured North Shore home with a view! Bouncing back from adversity was a feature of her life, and though in recent years health challenges began to slow her down, Frankie remained independent and resilient.
Frankie’s adventure-filled youth continued into adulthood through her work in a tugboat office on the Vancouver docks, where she met the love of her life, Harry Arvid Hansen. The two would go on to partner in a great many life and entrepreneurial ventures. Together they travelled the world. They started several businesses in the fledgling northern communities of Mackenzie and Chetwynd, contributing much to the early development of these towns. In Mackenzie, Frankie and Harry ran tugboats on Williston Lake - newly formed by the Bennett Dam; operated a logging truck franchise; constructed roads and buildings, and sold snowmobiles. Following new interests to Chetwynd, they purchased a grain elevator and a cement plant, eventually becoming involved in the burgeoning mining industry.
From illness in her youth and later years, to the loss of loved ones and other challenges in between, Frankie certainly did encounter her share of struggles. Yet, she remained thankful for what she had and was pragmatic about the business of living. She was an inspiration.
Frankie had many talents and interests, as well as a prodigious memory. She is remembered for her great sense of style and skill as a seamstress, her love of animals, as well as for always knowing the best restaurants, walks, and events in Vancouver. She was a treasured keeper of family history; producing a detailed MacNeil ancestry book (with her cousin, Jim) in 1998, followed by her memoir entitled Looking Back in 2015. Frankie, a master at remembering birthdays and other important dates, stayed in regular contact with friends and family in BC and other parts of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, often including in her letters wonderful recipes or articles she had clipped that she thought recipients would enjoy. Her aptitude for connectivity was shared with her loved ones through stories of the family news and thoughtful introductions which led to many new friendships. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all.
Frankie is survived by a great list of family, extended family, and dear friends. In addition to thanking the co-workers, friends and family who banded to gather to help Frankie to thrive at home in her last few years, the family would also like to thank the incredible teams at Lions Gate Hospital and Vancouver Coastal Health, as well as Frankie’s other treasured service providers who offered invaluable support, resources, and friendship.
A Celebration of Life is to be held in Frankie’s honour on Thursday, September 29th, 1:00 p.m. at First Memorial’s Boal Chapel (1505 Lillooet Rd, in North Vancouver). A short reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honour Frankie’s memory with a gift is invited to make a donation to Lions Gate Hospital in her name or to a charity of your choice.
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