Frances Valaria (Sokolowski) Powell

In loving memory of Frances Valaria (Sokolowski) Powell, 89, whom passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital Family Hospice with her loving daughter's by her side. Beloved wife of 65 years to Gary Powell (predeceased). Proud mother of Susan Powell and Sherry Trottier of Elliot Lake, loving grandmother of Dustin Trottier of Sudbury and Brody Trottier of Toronto; Dear sister to Patricia (Sokolowski) and Darwin Brunne of Lively; Brother-in-law Terry (predeceased) and Marj Powell of Sudbury; Russel and Mary Anne Powell of Innisfil, along with many nieces and nephews.

Fran and Gary owned and operated a home heating and delivery burner service business in the Massey area for many years. She worked tirelessly each day balancing the office and business while raising her daughters and caring for her aging parents a few miles away. After retiring from the oil business, she drove school bus for many years delivering kindergarten kids from their homes in town and farming areas to 3 schools. She loved each of "her kids" as she called them, and mothered all of them as her own. She loved to knit and would make mitts and toques for those who needed to stay warm and made lunches for those who were without. Numerous "kids" over the years would come up to her in public to say hello and thank her for how she made them feel. They made her feel proud of all of them.

Our family would like to thank the management and careworker's at Hillside Park Retirement Home in Elliot Lake for their loving care and assistance to our mother the past number of months; St. Joseph's General Hospital Family Hospice in Elliot Lake for their professionalism and support. 

Frances will be cremated with a small family celebration of life at a later date this summer.