1922-2014
Marjorie Estelle "Frankie" Branch, RN, 92, of Bathurst, passed away peacefully Friday, August 22, 2014 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital among loved ones. Born in Freetown, P.E.I., Frankie was the daughter of the late William and Ruth (Rogers) Francis.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, the late Burns Branch, and by her infant son.
She is survived by her three daughters: Sharon (Robert) McKinnon, Catherine (John) McLaughlin, both of Bathurst, and Beverley (Arthur) Jacobson, of Nackawic.
She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, who were the center of her world: Natalie (John) Fisher, Jeffrey (Katria) McKinnon, Ryan (Nichole) Jacobson, Neil (Jennie) Jacobson, Courtney (Shaun) Woods, Meaghan (Tony) Knowles, Mauryah and Kathleen McLaughlin. She was blessed by the addition of 8 great-grandchildren: Carson and Matthew McKinnon, Brier, Carys, and Koen Jacobson, Maxwell and Karlyn Jacobson, and Charlotte Woods.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
In recent years, she received wonderful care from Barbara Howatt and Linda Young, who became her friends, and for whom she had great affection.
Hers was a life devoted to family and community service. Frankie studied at the Soldiers’ Memorial School of Nursing in Campbellton, and served for many years as a private duty nurse in Bathurst. Her specialty was in the field of labor and delivery, assisting in the births of many of Bathurst’s citizens. She was member of the Order of the Eastern Star, United Church Women, Gloucester Chapter IODE, Retired Nurses Association and Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Herman J. Good, VC, Branch No. 18, Royal Canadian Legion. Known for her compassion and kindness, Frankie’s love extended well beyond her family to include much of the community. She enjoyed spending her summers at her cottage in Youghall with family and friends. She was a giving woman whose main priority was ensuring the happiness of those around her. Frankie has left her mark on all of those who knew her well. She is lovingly remembered for her strength, warmth, and unconditional love.
The body will rest after 2:00 p.m. Monday August 25, 2014 at Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst. Visitation will be on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm.
Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 2:00p.m. from the First United Church, St. Patrick St. Burial will be in the East Bathurst Cemetery.
For anyone wishing to send tokens of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to SPCA, North Shore Shrine Club Transportation Fund, First United Church, or to a favorite charity.
