Obituary of Frances Harvey
Harvey, Frances Joan (nee Gillard)
A resident of Chatham Retirement Resort (previously Duart) Frances Joan Gillard-Harvey passed peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday June 20th at the age of 94 years. She was born April 16 1930 in Palmyra Ontario. Daughter of Francis Gillard and Margaret Mooney-Gillard, sister of James Ira Gillard (1995) and sister-in-law to Jeanne Depuydt-Gillard. Missed by many nieces and nephews, and their children.
Beloved wife of William P. C. Harvey (1991). She was predeceased by her two infant sons, Patrick Curtis (1964) and Curt Francis (1965), 3 step-daughters, Patricia (Max) Smith, Janet Lynn Harvey and Merrilee (Chris) Coombs.
She is survived by her step-son, William (Treena) Harvey, Ruthanne (Doug) Thain and step-grandsons, Adam Harvey and Andrew Harvey and their families.
Frances graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1951 with a Bachelors of Arts degree, followed by teachers college. Together with her husband, she managed a restaurant and gas station in Morpeth for many years. She was an active member of the Grace Anglican Church in West Lorne.
Her passions included genealogy and nature, birding and writing poetry. She published many collections of original work over the years. Frances was active within the Kent Writers’ Guild, who recognized her efforts with several awards. She enjoyed spending time with her little dog "Putt".
Besides working in the family restaurant in Morpeth, Frances also worked in the Chatham Children's Aid Society, retiring with Bill to their home in Erie Beach.
Eventually she moved to Duart, Ontario then the Chatham Retirement Resort.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of CRR and CKHA for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace Anglican Church or Pet and Wildlife Rescue would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service and interment at the Morpeth Cemetery will take place on Saturday September 7th, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
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Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
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