Frances Clarke

Fran, 73, of Saskatoon, SK passed away March 25, 2024. She is survived by her sister Beverley Biram (Iain McLean ), son Neil Clarke (Susan), daughter Kyla Clarke (Myles), grandchildren Cole, Alex and Bree, and sister-in-law Joyce Clarke. She is predeceased by her dear husband John, parents Stan and Olive Biram, and brother-in-law Craig Clarke.

Fran was born in Saskatchewan to proud parents Stan and Olive. It was not long until sister Beverly (Bev) came along. They were an exceptionally creative team who got into all sorts of trouble. Fran often spoke fondly about visiting her cousins in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and helping her parents in their photography store. When the family moved to Cranbrook, BC, Fran and Bev had the privilege of experiencing a new part of the country and learning to downhill ski. After high school, Fran attended UBC and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture. As a member of the Agricultural Student Society, she met and fell in love with John. They married, bought land with a homestead in Beaverlodge, AB, and started farming. It was there that Neil and then Kyla were born. Fran often reminisced about her time there, and how she had to figure out how to raise “little people”.

When the kids were still preschoolers, the family settled in Swift Current, where she would reside for over 30 years. While there, Fran enjoyed crafting and gardening. She was elected to the Credit Union board and successfully ran for office as a school board trustee. She also participated in feminist discussion groups and taught Sunday School at the United Church. For recreation, she camped, went canoeing, took long walks with friends, and listened to music. For years after the new indoor pool was built, she swam regularly. She spoke often about the friends they had, and how much she enjoyed her time in Swift Current.

As Fran and John became empty-nesters, Fran decided to pursue a Masters in Science in Agriculture, and then a Ph.D. She commuted back and forth from Swift Current to Saskatoon. During her studies she earned numerous awards and scholarships, and became a scientist at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Station in Swift Current, specializing in quantitative genetics. It was also around this time that Fran and John took up dancing and met an amazing community of people from all over the province. Fran and John traveled the world for work and vacation to destinations which included Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, India, Mali, Spain, and Italy.

A highlight of Fran and John’s 48-year marriage was building their dream home, “Rose Acres”, near Saskatoon, before Fran retired in 2015. They continued to be involved in the dance community attending countless classes and formal dances. They worked together developing their yard and crafting furniture and garden houses. Fran loved carefully selecting, positioning, and re-positioning rocks for the garden (much to John’s chagrin). Their new home was close to family and they hosted regular summer “camps” for their grandkids, where the young people hauled branches in the 4-wheeler, picked berries, learned to cook, as well as played amazing games of mantracker. Fran was an avid spectator of her family’s activities, at mountain bike courses, hockey rinks, ball diamonds, football fields, and running races. In addition, Fran was always up for an outing to local restaurants, festivals, and music.

Who was Fran? She was a patient, respectful and kind person. She was determined, smart, independent, and enthusiastic. She never was one to do things because they were expected of her. She dealt with life’s uncomfortable moments with direct communication and logic. She loved humor (especially dark humor) and was so appreciative to Iain and Bev for sending her a joke a day after John passed. She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren dearly, and welcomed Susan (Neil) and Myles (Kyla) into her family with the warmest manner. She did not let her illness with cancer define her, and proved to be tougher than nails. She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Glengarda Hospice in Saskatoon or plant something in honour of Fran’s memory. The family also wishes to thank all the individuals who contributed to her care, including the incredible team at Home Instead, Royal University Hospital, Herold Road Family Physicians, Palliative Home Care, and the staff at Glengarda Hospice..

Celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday April 14, 2024 at Mourning Glory Acadia Chapel, 915 Acadia Dr. Saskatoon, SK