Pearl Marguerite Francis
(nee Bell)
May 2 1924 - April 4, 2023

It is with great sorrow that the family announces the peaceful passing of Pearl at the Timmins and District Hospital - Hospice on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the age of 98 years. Predeceased by her beloved husband Dr. Milton Francis (2005), dear daughter Anne (1993) and brothers Mac, Bob and Roger. Loving mother of Don of Timmins, Susan (Vince Kahnert) of Oakville, and Joan (Brad Fennuk) of Timmins. Cherished Nana of Catherine Collins (Mark Gimpoli), Anthony Francis, Will & Ty Kahnert , Clara, Carolyn & Risa Fennuk and adoring Great-Nana of Miles Milton Gimpoli. Dear sister of Margery Richardson of Whitby, Donna Lee of Timmins and sister-in-law Gilberte Bell of Lévis Quebec.

Pearl was born into a close and loving family, which set the stage for all of her life’s relationships. She and Milt married in 1946 and for the next several years she worked to support him as he completed medical school. Pearl and Milt came to Timmins in 1953, where they started their family and enjoyed the Northern Ontario lifestyle. She was an excellent cook, a wonderful seamstress, and a meticulous bookkeeper.

Pearl was a loving, soft-spoken and gentle mother who led her four children by example. Never one to say an unkind word, she always put the well-being of others at the forefront of her life. She treasured the many friendships that enriched her life and were maintained over many decades, including the memorable NMNFTU group of friends with whom she and Milt travelled the world. Pearl was an active volunteer for many years in the Timmins area, in particular with the May Court Club, the Victorian Order of Nurses, and the Porcupine Music Festival. A woman of true kindness and deep strength, her family will always cherish the memory of her calm and wise presence.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Jan Larouche for being such a loving and supportive friend to Mom. Sincere thanks to the wonderful caregivers at the Lasalle Residence who treated mom with such warmth and kindness during her years there, and the great doctors and nurses at the TDH Hospice. The family will receive family and friends on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm for a Memorial reception in Pearl's honour. Remembrance donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to the MIRON-WILSON FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 150 Balsam St. S, Timmins, ON.