Obituary of Frances Mary Whalen

Frances Mary (Boone) Whalen was born in 1925, the daughter of the late Phineas Boone and the late Lizbeth (Burt) Boone of Botwood, Newfoundland, and beloved step-daughter of the late Jane (Turner) Boone. A resident of Saint John since 1948, she was most recently a member of the Kings Way Care Centre family. Frances left this life to be with her Lord on Wednesday, October 5, 2011. Wife of the late Oscar Whalen, she is survived by her children: Clinton (Marie), Wanda DeVarenne, both of Saint John, Rodney (Susan) of Rowley, Kathy Cipolla of Rothesay, Stephen (Helen) of Hartland, and very special son and daughter-in-law, Don and Eileen Sherwood of Surrey, BC; her brothers and sisters: Edna Ivey of Morden, Manitoba, Harold Boone (Robin) of Claremont, New Hampshire, Dorcas Marro of Claremont, New Hampshire, Andrea Hillier (Jim) of Grand Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador, Dianne Stone of Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador, Stephen (Ada) of Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren and many treasured nieces and nephews. Frances was predeceased by a sister, Florence Smallwood; and sons-in-law Winston DeVarenne and Frank Cipolla. Frances was a caring woman of strong Christian faith, mother to many besides her immediate family, and friend to all. Among other occupations she worked at the Manchester, Robertson, Allison Department Store in sporting goods and toys and, later, at the Dr. Roberts Hospital School. When the school closed, she opened one of the first special care homes in New Brunswick which she operated until the death of her husband and her retirement. As a member of the Pentecostal faith community she attended several local churches, including the Full Gospel Assembly, Calvary Temple, and the Renewed Hope of God Church on Loch Lomond Road. She maintained her sense of humour and sense of fun all her life. Even in sickness she could always muster a smile. A staunch and loyal servant of the Lord – Godspeed Mum. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Friday, October 7, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM from Brenan’s Paradise Row Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will take place later in Ocean View Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, remembrances to Kings Way Care Centre or any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.