Frances May Cruden Obituary
Frances May Cruden (nee Davis) entered this world February 12, 1920 in Aberdeen Scotland. She was one of four children, 3 of whom have long gone before her. She passed from this earth, unexpectedly, but with great dignity, admiration, love and respect with family at her side on July 31, 2016 after a brief and sudden illness at Pentecostal Seniors Home, Clarke’s beach NL .
Our Mother, Frances, met the love of her life Brendan F. Davis (our Dad) in the Scottish Highlands of Scotland during WWII when he was serving with the NL Forestry Regiment. Their love was true and strong and they married quickly. A son (Brendan) and a daughter (Kathleen) came not long after.
Following WWII, they returned to Dad’s homeland of NL, Canada. Brigus NL became their home base in 1952 when Dad built Mom a house and they made their life there. A 2nd daughter (Gail) was born 15 years after daughter Kay. Sadly, our Dad passed unexpectedly away August 1966.
Mom remarried a Scottish man, James M. Cruden September 1974, and they moved with Gail to NL and Ottawa ON, and finally back to Brigus NL September 1988. Jim died March 2004, and Mom was a widow yet again but enjoying her life. Unfortunately, a stroke followed by advancing dementia 8 years ago, resulted in Mom going into a seniors complex at age 90. She retained her beauty, quick wit, intelligence, and fabulous sense of humour, with a love of gardening, nature and animals up till the end. She had a lively spirit and zest for life. She inspired people by living with honesty and sincerity.
Survived by her children: Brendan F. Davis (Judith), Kathleen O’Keefe, Gail Davis-Mercer; her grandchildren: Fiona Davis-Brown (Colin), Craig O’Keefe (Tracey), Mark O’Keefe (Crystal), Kerry Davis (Henry), Dean O’Keefe, Brandon Davis, Garett Davis and Meghan Mercer. Great grand children: Shea, Brett, Tayte, Hudson, Ethan, Gavin, Isaac and Lexie. And very special friend Sharron Rodgers.
We will celebrate her life and all the treasured memories and gifts of kindness, caring, generosity, and LOVE that she bestowed upon us. Cremation by request. No flowers by request à Mom said flowers were for the living…
Resting at Broughton’s Funeral Home Brigus. The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 2-4 P.M. Please visit www.broughtons.ca to sign the memorial guest book. Inurnment to take place at a later date.