Frances E. Blair
On September 12th, 2025, Frances Eva Blair (nee Johnson), in her 102nd year, passed peacefully in her own bed.
Dear wife of the late George Blair for over 60 years. Loved Mother/Mom of Susan (the late Michael) and Deborah (Christopher). Beloved Grandma/Gran to Michelle (Greg), Jeff (Minda), Erika, Nathaniel (Michelle), and Hamish (Yu Chan), Great-Grandma to Koji, Thomas and Ewan. Sister-in-law Mary Johnson (the late Don), and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews will remember her fondly from the many happy Johnson family gatherings.
Predeceased by her parents William Henry Johnson and Eva Elizabeth Newman and her 9 brothers and sisters: Charles Walter Johnson (Margaret) of Waterdown, ON, Florence Elliott (Wilfred) of Galt, ON, Margaret “Peggy” Steel (Percy James “Jim”) of Mississauga, ON, John Edward “Ted” Johnson (Ellen) of Willowdale, ON, Wilma Elizabeth “Bunny” Johnson (Stan) of Saskatoon, SK, William Henry “Pete” Johnson Jr. (Edna, June) of Edmonton, AB, Agnes Lillian “Jimmy” Wren of Surrey, BC, Betty Cherrie (Al) of California, Donald Johnson of Lynden, ON.
Born December 11, 1923 in Humber Bay, Ontario, Frances was a graduate of Mimico High School and later Comptometer school. During the war, she worked at Bowser war plant and afterwards as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Toronto. A lifelong volunteer, she helped endlessly at North Parkdale United and later South Parkdale United churches in Toronto, then again in Guelph at Dublin United, Westminster St. Paul’s Presbyterian churches and the Elliott and Evergreen Seniors’ Centres. She loved driving holidays, initially summers camping at Meaford Beach, then longer treks across Canada and the US, starting west in 1960 and east in 1964. Despite her fear of flying, she visited the UK, Yugoslavia and Hawaii, before being steered toward regular visits to Calgary, Alberta once more grandchildren arrived. Frances was always excited for the world around her, connecting with friends and family, and excited for the activities in the community. In Guelph she walked everywhere, and the women at the Candies of Merritt shop knew her well. With a deep love for family and friends, she spent many a late evening handwriting letters up until her last days. From Humber Bay Toronto, to Parkdale Toronto, to Guelph and Calgary she had a long and fulfilling life and brought her kindness and comfort to us all. Her smile and humour will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at WALL – CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME, 206 Norfolk St, Guelph, on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 2 – 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Sleeping Children Around the World.