A. Frances (Fran) Baird Innes
July 20, 1924 to January 30, 2020
Obituary
Passed peacefully away at the age of 95, Alice Frances (Fran) Baird Innes.
Left with loving memories are son Bruce Innes, daughter Gail Innes (Tim Avis), beloved granddaughter Emily Innes (Michael Peña), sister-in-law Ida Baird, and Cousin Donald Baird (Louise). Also leaving to mourn, special nieces Robin de Verteuil (Michael), Jean Hayes (Gerard), nephew David Baird (Jeannie) and their children.
Fran was well known for her community service and advocacy work for justice and equality. After graduating from Mt. Allison University with a Bachelor of Science she worked in Toronto, married and returned to Newfoundland. While raising her family, she was an active volunteer. As President/Director of the local Branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women, Fran successfully lobbied for the establishment of Children’s Libraries, as well as the City’s first Head Start Programme and was instrumental in organizing the Art Association of Newfoundland, serving as its first President.
She was founding President of Newfoundland Family Planning Association (renamed Planned Parenthood) a founding mother of the Status of Women’s Council and a Councilor for the City of St. John’s (1977 -81).
Her re-entry into the workforce led to a varied career as teacher, writer, journalist, broadcaster and T. V. Story Editor (1975) on C.B.C. television’s Here And Now. Her creative writing, articles, profiles and reviews appeared in numerous local periodicals including the Newfoundland Quarterly.
Fran, a recipient of the 1992 Governor General’s 125th Commemorative Medal awarded for service to the community and Canada, was a Past-President of the Newfoundland Writer’s Guild and a long time member of the Writer’s Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador. Her children’s book “Mae’s Night Flight”, dedicated to her granddaughter Emily, was published in 1993.
Those who knew Fran will remember her warmth, sharp intellect and passion to contribute to the well being of others.
A special thanks to Betty Snow for her years of caring and to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and care.
Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends may visit the family at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Monday, February 10, 2020 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 11 at 2:00 pm from the Carnell Memorial Chapel.
Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or charity of one’s choice.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on February 10, 2020
7-9 p.m. on February 10, 2020
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
2:00pm, Tuesday February 11th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Bruce. Sorry for your loss. Losing a love one leaves a hole in your hesrt. Hugs.
Bruce, Gail, and family, our condolences on the passing of a beloved and respected Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We were unable to get to the wake and mixed up the time of the funeral so we missed seeing you, if you were here. from Gerri and Harold Stapleton
Fran helped guide me through some stormy days and she held up a light for all of us. Condolences to family and friends.
Aunt Fran will be missed but not forgotten. Many fond memories of devouring her Christmas treats. A life well-lived. Deepest sympathy to Gail, Bruce, and the rest of the family.
Deepest condolences to all of Fran’s family. Such a great spirit. She inspired so many of us.
Gail,
Sorry to hear about your mother.
I would like to pass on our condolences to you and your family..
Dr Mary Noseworthy
Gail,
Sorry to hear about your mother. We would like to pass on our condolences to you and your family.
David Innes and Luise Hermanutz
Gail:
My condolences to you and Tim and your family on the passing of your Mom. She was a force of nature, a large heart in a small package. She will be missed.
Scott Strong
Bruce&Gail
So sorry to hear about your Mom., she was a lovely kind lady. I have many happy memories of her from our summers in Long Pond!!! Pancakes for breakfast was always a treat!
May your happy memories help get you thru this sad time.
Sincerely ,
Gail(Parsons) Vavasour!
Gail and family: Our sincere condolences on your mom’s passing. Cherish the lovely memories of time spent with her.
Sorry to hear about a fellow writer passing away. Fran was one of a kind. My sympathy goes out to her family and friends and of course her friends in the “Writer’s Guild”
Geraldine Flanninga
Sorry to hear about a fellow writer passing away. Fran was one of a kind. My sympathy goes out to her family and friends and of course her friends in the “Writer’s Guild”
Geraldine Flanninga
Gail and family
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a great person, who left an indelible mark on her community. My sincere condolences.
Bruce,
My sincere condolences for your loss.
I remember Fran from when I was a student at MUN, in the 1950s. She was very supportive of the Student Christian Movement in which I was involved. Her warmth, and kindness, welcoming us to her home for meetings and encouraging us young students is something I will always remember. She influenced so many people during her long life. A talented, gracious lady.
Much love to you all. This woman was a person of great passion, commitment and drive. She was fearless and she made the world a better place. Blessings to you all.
Condolences, Gail and family.
Bruce, Gail and Family,
We are so to hear about your Mom’s passing.. Having grown up next door I have many fond memories of time spent at your home. Sorry we can’t be there to visit with you at this sad time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bruce and Gail,
I was sorry to here of your Mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Blessings,
Barbara Ellis
To Gail and family’
Sorry to learn of your Mothers passing.
Catherine & Ray Tooton
To Bruce & Gail;
So sorry to learn of you Mother’s passing.
Please accept our sincere sympathy
I have memories of a very vital lady..
My sympathy to Bruce and Gail.
So saddened to learn of Fran’s death. Became acquainted with her during her latter years with the NWG.. She was a wonderful lady. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Alison Melvin
Gail, Tim & Family
So sorry to hear of your loss, my condolences to all of you.
Margie Pike
To Gail & family:
My sincere condolences to you all. Your Mom was a truly remarkable lady! I always enjoyed seeing her all those years ago. May your happy memories bring you peace.
Gail, Tim, and Emily
You are in our thoughts.
She was an amazing woman who lead an amazing life.
Love
Kelly & Terry