Frances Anita (Smythe) Flanagan

FLANAGAN, Frances Anita (nee Smythe) – Passed away peacefully at Hospice Peterborough on December 30^th, 2021 in her 79^th year. Beloved and devoted wife to Donald for 57 years since their marriage as students at the University of New Brunswick. After moving to Peterborough in 1964, she was a tireless supporter of children, nature and the community.  Loving mother to Dawne and Jeff, and grandmother to Jayme, Derek and Cameron. No birthday or holiday ever passed without her ensuring it was a special day.  

Fran was a long-time athlete competing in triathlons and running races. She was a constant presence at the Peterborough YMCA for more than 50 years, embracing it as a place for fitness, community and support. As recently as this autumn, Fran remained a long-distance kayaker and cyclist with her cherished friends, The Biker Babes.

Her favourite place was the family cottage on Lake Weslemkoon, the focal point every summer. Following every outing in her kayak, Fran would report on the number and location of all the loons spotted on the lake. She prayed in the latter stages of her battle to have one last summer at the cottage. The loons will miss her.  

Fran loved art, books and travel. She attended the theatre and devoured dozens of books each year. She was a member of her local monthly book club group since the late 1960s. Her love of literature served her well as the undefeated Flanagan Scrabble champion for 50 straight years, even when burdened with “the worst possible bunch of letters”. Fran was a talented painter who loved to paint Christmas ornaments and decorations for family and friends. An adventurous traveler, she was always keen to share her stories of the many places and cultures she’d experienced.  

Fran spent more than 20 years working at the Peterborough Health Unit in the Infant Development Program, which she was instrumental in developing. She improved the lives of special needs children and their families through her hands-on work at their homes. She was an early supporter of the rights and needs of children, the disabled and women.

One would be hard-pressed to find a more selfless and caring person. Fran was always ready to lend a hand or give back. She sought out the good in everyone and in every situation. She lived a life free of expectations and filled with gratitude. Even at the end, she maintained her good humour and giving spirit, despite her difficult circumstances. We are blessed to have known her and will forever be better for it. She left us too soon and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Peterborough YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and/or Hospice Peterborough would be appreciated.

All are invited to attend a visitation at HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough on Wednesday, January 12^th, 2022 from 10-11AM.  A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel at 12 noon.