Frances Martha (James) Edelman

Frances (Fran) Edelman (nee James) passed away at Ponoka on August 18, 2015 at the age of 87 years.  We know that she has left this life to be with her saviour, our Lord Jesus. 

Fran was born to Albert (Ab) and Josephine James near Forestburg, Alberta on August 16, 1928.  Fran grew up near the banks of the Battle River where her father and uncle opened up a coal mine on the farm.  There she was surrounded by family sharing the farm yard with her aunt and uncle (Hiram and Mable James) and their seven children and Grandma James.

Fran met her husband George in Ponoka and they married on December 22, 1947.  Fran started her working life as a teacher in 1948 at Dead Wood, north of Peace River.  Together Fran and George had four children, Wayne, Darrel, Sharon and Linda.  Sharon left this world at a young age but Fran and George, strong in their faith, continued their commitments to family and God.

Fran lived in many communities throughout western Canada including Peace River (Judah), Ft. St. John, Ft. Nelson, Edmonton, Whitehorse, Ft. Simpson and Watson Lake before retiring to Lumby in 1981.  In all of these communities, she became an active participant in local churches while working for many different organizations and caring for her family.  Fran enjoyed many outdoor activities with her family, grandchildren and friends.  Fran’s travels included Europe, Mexico, Australia and the United States.

In retirement, Fran and George moved from Lumby to Rimbey, to Morningside and then to Ponoka.  While in Ponoka, Fran and George were active in the Church of the Open Bible and worked to establish a new church in Blackfalds and participated to brighten the lives of those less fortunate whenever it was possible.  Fran was also a frequent volunteer at the Centennial Centre playing piano and providing ministry and companionship whenever she could.

Fran enjoyed a full and productive life and was a great wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother to all her family.  Fran not only committed herself to her family but was also an very active participant in many churches, hosted many bible studies and always had an open heart and open home to anyone in need.  Fran was a central figure in all the family gatherings.  Her calm presence and pleasant, interested manner will be missed by everyone.

True to her nature, while Fran struggled from a prolonged illness, she never complained and always maintained her faith and positive outlook. 

Fran is survived by George, her husband of 67 years; her children Wayne (Lisa and Laurent), Darrel (Linda, Jeff [Tiffany] and Leslie [Chas]), Linda Graafland (Nicole [Troy] and Jason [Lynn]); great-grandchildren Cole, Carlee, Seren, Elisabeth and Kaenin; and her nieces and nephews.  Fran was predeceased by her daughter Sharon, grandson Jamie and her parents and siblings.

In God’s hands now, we know she will leave her impact on Heaven as she did on this earth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ponoka Hospital Auxiliary.  Donations marked as Memorial to Fran Edelman will be directed to the Volunteer Program. Donations may be mailed to the Ponoka Hospital or dropped off at the administration desk.

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