Frances Elizabeth Helen Hayter

July 17, 1935 - July 26, 2021

Funeral Details:

On July 26th, 2021, shortly after her 86th birthday, Frances Elizabeth Helen Hayter passed away at her beloved cottage in Muskoka after a long period of illness.  Fran was born in Sarnia in 1935 and studied Ancient Greek at McGill University.  She met John Hayter, the love of her life, in Sarnia when they were both working at a Junior Chamber of Commerce fair.  As the wife of an army officer, Fran travelled the world with John and her children, adapting to a life of moving home and family every few years, and forging deep friendships along the way.  Fran treasured her family and was happy to have them around her during the past few weeks.  She was adored by her husband, John C. Hayter, and loved enormously by her children, Scott (Sue), Jim (Lindy), and Bruce (Shelby).  Fran felt blessed to have eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Fran was an accomplished pianist (ARCT) who was Director of Music at the Church of the Kettles in Muskoka for almost 50 years.  She also played at her hometown church, St. George’s, Barrie.

Fran loved life, and she lived it to the fullest every single day.  She was independent, feisty, and determined.  She was FUN and nothing daunted her!  She was an accomplished artist, who painted beautiful watercolours and also composed music and lyrics.  She enjoyed windsurfing, she loved her pink seadoo; she quilted, she baked delicious “gramma bread,” she read avidly.  She played bridge and loved challenging her family to a game of Yahtzee.

The day before she died, Fran spent the afternoon on the deck at the cottage taking in the view of Lake Muskoka in the sunshine.  She even - against all the rules - enjoyed a small beer and some peanuts!  She was quite a lady!

A private cremation has taken place.  Fran’s life will be celebrated at the Church of the Kettles on Saturday, 28th August at 1pm, and Fran’s inurnment will be held on Sunday, 29th August at 1pm at St. George’s Anglican Church, Barrie.

In lieu of flowers, donations to either of the two churches are welcome.

Online memories and wishes may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca

Peaceful Transition

CONDOLENCES

35 Condolences
  • Rhonna Da Costa Gomez
    Posted on: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Reply

    Sincerest condolences to the entire family. Honored to to have met Fran and spend some time with her chatting on the dock in Muskoka. She will be sorrly missed.

  • Jennifer North
    Posted on: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Reply

    When I think of Fran, I think of someone who was really good fun to be with.
    She was kind, funny and full of adventure!
    She will be sorely missed by everyone!

  • Beccy Barr
    Posted on: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Reply

    I have such very fond memories of Fran. She was always so welcoming and kind and such a vibrant, vivacious woman. I’m glad I knew her. XX

  • Patrick Rossiter
    Posted on: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Reply

    So sorry to see this. Deepest sympathies to John and family.

  • Claire Campbell
    Posted on: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Reply

    Frannie, you were a real firecracker! Quiet but lethal best describes your sense of humour! We will surely miss you. Our condolences to John and your families! Cam & Claire Campbell

  • LCol William Sutherland (Ret'd)
    Posted on: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Reply

    Sincere condolences to BGen Hayter and Family. Fran was a fine and graceful lady who provided encouragement to young Subalterns. Fran will be truly missed. RIP.

  • Philip Spencer
    Posted on: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Reply

    Dear John and family,
    Maureen and I send our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of dear Fran.
    So many happy memories over the years. Fran was so special.
    RIP, Fran

  • Bonnie G. Rourke
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    As we weep, All the Angels in Heaven are singing their welcome for this beautiful soul.

    Love Bonnie

  • Ken & Wanda Rennick
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    Our condolences to all the family.

  • Walter Holmes
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    I offer sincere condolences to John, John and Fran’s family, and their many friends. Fran was a trooper and the best of military wives. She served as John served and she will be missed by all. May she Rest in Peace. Pro Patria.

  • Len Day
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    We will miss Fran at St. George’s. She was a great part of our community and congregation. May she be free of all her pain. She will be remember for her kindness and great talents. God bless

  • Jeff, RoseAnn Mitchell & Family
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    Dear John & Family,

    We were saddened to hear of Fran’s passing and feel blessed to have heard her play on The Kettles zoom service. Fran at the keyboard whether at The Kettles or at St. Georges’ was a comfort and constant for us. What a talented woman always with a gleam in her eye. Nothing was impossible for Fran! What a legacy she leaves for her devoted family and her many friends.
    She is soaring with the angels!
    Fran will be dearly missed, but always in our hearts.
    Sincerely,
    RoseAnn, Jeff Mitchell & family

  • Stew and Anne Bell
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    We add our voices to the host now mourning and joyfully celebrating Fran’s time with us. It has been a blessing to have shared life/space with Fran and all that she brought to it for family, friends and communities around Canada and the world. Sadly missed, Gratefully remembered.

  • Joe Aitchison
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    A sad day indeed. A truly classy lady who lit up a room with her smile and sense of humour. Our condolences to John and the family.
    RIP, Fran.
    Joe and Elva

  • Rick Allen
    Posted on: Sunday, August 1, 2021 Reply

    I shall cherish the memories of my friend, Fran. She was a very special lady, in so many ways. Her Music Ministry was special, both at The Church of the Kettles in Muskoka, and St. George’s in Barrie. My prayers are with John, and their family, especially at this most difficult time. May Fran rest in peace, and her memory a blessing…..

  • Jane Hunter Haapiseva
    Posted on: Monday, August 2, 2021 Reply

    From all of us on Evangeline Island, our deep felt appreciation for the rich gifts Fran bestowed on worshippers through the years. They began with or thereabouts her postlude ‘Oh what a beautiful morning’ but did not end with a piece of peace; only continue with the spirit of it all.

  • Mia Nagasaki
    Posted on: Monday, August 2, 2021 Reply

    I am so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. I am sending my condolences to John and the family.
    I will always think of Fran as a loving caring person!!

  • Dave & Jill Hogg
    Posted on: Monday, August 2, 2021 Reply

    To the Hayter Family…..Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your sweet Fran. Although we only met her a few times, she was clearly a very loving and proud wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother! She has been reunited with Bruce now and thinking of them together will bring you comfort. We share your sadness and wish you strength and peace in the days ahead.

  • Juanita & Heidi Hanney
    Posted on: Monday, August 2, 2021 Reply

    Our condolences to John and all the Hayter family.
    Fran loved life and shared her her fun and wit with everyone she met. Our times together included playing the piano, singing and telling stories. All of which she was excellent at.
    Thinking of you will always put a smile on my face. Rest In Peace Fran. Till we meet again.

  • Albertine and Darryl Vinet
    Posted on: Monday, August 2, 2021 Reply

    Dearest JC and family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time!
    Bert and Darryl

  • Sandra Brown
    Posted on: Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Reply

    My condolences to you John and your entire family. How lucky were you, the kids, grand children and great-grand children to have her in your lives!! You were all very blessed. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

  • WENDY WHARTON
    Posted on: Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Reply

    Dear Uncle John, Scott, Jim and Family,

    Thinking of all of you so much since learning of Auntie Fran’s passing. She was my absolute most favourite “Aunt” and it continues to be a privilege to consider the Hayter clan “family”. I always admired her positive outlook on life, her fierce love of family and her musical and artistic capabilities. RIP Auntie Fran.

  • Jack & Maria Graves
    Posted on: Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Reply

    Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of Fran’s passing. We have fond memories of our time spent with Fran and John, especially from our China Tour with them and the Lawson’s in 2014. Although, struggling a bit with her walking and using the cane for balance she soon recruited me to provide vertical support when needed…such that she referred to me as her railing. And always a good laugh was had about that.

    And we will always remember how she entertained us as we cruised down the Yantze River and the sound of music from her beautiful touch on the Grand Piano. With much admiration of Fran’s stoic attitude towards whatever befell her in life, we bid her adieu with much love.
    Jack & Maria

  • Sandra Bishop Howcroft
    Posted on: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 Reply

    I shed tears today as we read the obituary for Fran. I only know Fran and John in passing over the years spent with Gordon and my dad Roy. I do know how much you meant to each other and your love of family. God has received her with open arms. Our deepest condolences to the entire Hayter family. Sandra and Dan Howcroft

  • Abby Goodrum
    Posted on: Thursday, August 5, 2021 Reply

    Vic and I were talking about how much we looked forward to seeing Fran again, and then we heard the sudden and sad news of her passing. We were so lucky to have had the time we did with her and we will always cherish our memories of her swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and driving that pink sea-doo around “Hayter Bay”. She was fierce and funny and an inspiration to so many. Our deepest sympathy to John and all the family at this sad time.

    Abby & Vic

  • Colleen Small
    Posted on: Thursday, August 5, 2021 Reply

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Fran will be missed

  • Colleen Small
    Posted on: Thursday, August 5, 2021 Reply

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Frans presence on Holgate Street will be mussed

  • Brenda & Mike McNally
    Posted on: Sunday, August 8, 2021 Reply

    John, so sorry to hear the news of Fran’s passing..
    What a lovely lady and a pleasure to know.
    We enjoyed being your neighbours in Destin and we will remember her fondly.

  • Cynthia & David Warren
    Posted on: Sunday, August 8, 2021 Reply

    Dear John, Scott, Jim and the Hayter Family,

    Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family at the incredibly sad news of Fran’s passing. A dear friend – we will deeply miss her. We are very grateful for the wonderful friendship we shared over many years through our ties at St. George’s. Fran enthusiastically embraced life with determination and a tremendous sense of fun – all rooted in her love of God and family. Having her zip around on her scooter to the Church office window for welcome chats is just one of many fond memories that bring a smile. Such a special and talented woman – she so willingly shared her many gifts. In particular, her music ministry was a great blessing – both at St. George’s and the Kettles. She’s no doubt singing and playing piano in heaven! Loved by so many – her indelible spirit will always be part of the many lives she touched and the many places she called home.

    Keeping the family close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the memories of Fran bring you comfort, her wonderful legacy of love be an inspiration and her faith in God’s loving embrace bring you peace.

    Love,
    David and Cynthia

  • The Sunshine Committee of the May Court Club of Barrie
    Posted on: Monday, August 9, 2021 Reply

    To the entire family of Fran Hayter.
    We offer our sincere condolences in the passing of Fran. She was a member of the May Court Club for several years and we were saddened to hear of her passing.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Sincerely,
    The May Court Club Sunshine Committee

  • Donna and Robin Budgen
    Posted on: Thursday, August 12, 2021 Reply

    Our condolences to John and the Hayter clan. We feel blessed to have had the experience of hearing and singing along with Fran’s excellent piano playing for many years at the Church of the Kettles. She made us sound so much better than we actually were. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude toward life and all its “ups and downs” were examples to us all for how to live our lives.

  • Cathy and Shane McArthur
    Posted on: Friday, August 13, 2021 Reply

    We are so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing…such a beautiful soul. Our condolences to John and the family.

  • George & Marilyn Hutchison
    Posted on: Monday, August 23, 2021 Reply

    John, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Fran. A lovely lady with a wonderful sense of humor. Fondly remember the many bazaars and sharing the treasures.
    George & Marilyn Hutchison

  • Barrie Art Club
    Posted on: Friday, September 3, 2021 Reply

    The members at the Barrie Art Club would like to extend our deepest condolences to Frans family and friends. She was a member of the club for many years and would often drop by or meet up with us at Charlie’s cottage on the other side of the island. Fran will be remembered with great fondness by all that knew her.

  • Ted Ellis
    Posted on: Friday, November 4, 2022 Reply

    I just saw this obituary now, after I got curious about Fran and wondered where she was. I’m a piano/music teacher in Welland On, and Fran and I played a concert of duets and duos in 1992 at Faith Tabernacle in Welland. I have very fond memories of Fran. She was a thorough musician, curious, fun-loving, and would tackle anything! We played the Saint-Saens Danse Macabre, Londonderry Air, and two selections from the Rachmaninoff 2nd suite for 2 pianos. She was living in Fonthill at the time, and we were all sad when she moved to Barrie. We were going to get together after that to eventually perform the whole suite, but sadly we lost touch with each other. Sincerest condolences to the family, sorry this is so late.

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