Frances Mary Rachel James (née Browne)
June 15, 1943 - April 9, 2024
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
Frances was born on January 15, 1943, to Charles Henry Browne and Eva Kathleen (Mahon) in Sligo, Ireland. She married Reginald Alexander James and they immigrated to Canada in 1962. They raised their three children Jacqueline, Siobhaun, and Reginald Jr. on a farm in Maple, ON. The family moved to the Barrie area in the mid 1970’s. There were lots of travels with trips to Ireland and winters spent vacationing in Mexico. Frances had many adventures with her family and loved her children very much.
Frances passed away peacefully with family by her side at Roberta Place Long Term Care Centre in Barrie on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in her 81st year.
She will be lovingly remembered as “Nona” by her grandchildren Kyle, Ry, Justin and Caitlin. Frances is great grandmother of Koston, Layla, Talia, Ollie, Memphis, Ireland, Mason, and Talihina. Affectionately known as “Auntie Frances” by her niece, Sarah and great-niece, Keira and great-nephew, Miles. She will be remembered by extended family and friends.
Frances is survived by her sister, Patricia Eva Gillian Millard, of Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland and cousins Rosemary and Heather of British Columbia, Canada. She is predeceased by her parents, and sister, Evelyn Carol Georgina Akber (Browne).
Frances had a free spirit. She loved to look beautiful with a unique style in her clothing and make up. Frances had a love for the arts that included great literature, modelling for art students, as well as, acting and working backstage in theatre productions. She completed the Fashion Merchandising course at Georgian College and with great pride she opened her own secondhand clothing shop in Barrie. Frances also studied and taught English as a Secondary Language (ESL). She was loved by her students.
Frances will be remembered as an intelligent, strong and vibrant woman who overcame many challenges in her life with stamina and determination.
There will be a celebration of life for Frances in the summer.
The family would like to thank the staff at Roberta Place Long Term Care Centre for their support and care these past two years.
Christine and Robert Andrews
Posted on: Tuesday, April 23, 2024Thinking of you and your family at this time of sadness and sorrow. Please accept our deepest condolences. We hold you in our heart.
Carole Lafontaine
Posted on: Wednesday, April 24, 2024We wish to extend our deepest condolescences, for your loss. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your mother, but I’m sure she was a special person. Your mother will be greatly missed may you all be comforted by your many memories of her and with her, sending love and light….Carole Lafontaine and family.