Frances (Fran) Mary Dearin (Nee Merner)

October 6, 1924 to February 13, 2019

Obituary

Passed peacefully away on February 13, 2019 after a long period of failing health but, as she had wanted, in her own home and surrounded by her family, Frances M. (Fran) Dearin, née Merner, in her 95th year. Her beloved husband, Charles, predeceased her in 1981, as did three of her children, Susan Marie (1955), Paul (1954 – 2007), and John (1957 – 2013), and her sister/brother-in-law and dear friends Don and Margaret Moores.

 

Born in 1924 in St. John’s to Patrick and Agnes (Kavanagh) Merner, Fran was the eldest of nine children, growing up in the city’s west end where she attended and graduated from St. Patrick’s School. She worked before her marriage at the Bank of Montreal on Water St., a job she left in 1951 to start a family with Charl. During their early marriage, Charlie and Fran discovered a love of travel through the many work-related excursions they took together and on which they met many life-long friends. They also enjoyed their large circle of friends and neighbours here and the activities they engaged in as supporters of the then-new Mary Queen of Peace parish.

 

Once her children were all settled in school, Fran returned to a banking career, this time with CIBC, from which she retired on her 65th birthday. The next phase of her life was filled with travel, with her hobbies of knitting, sewing, and gardening, at all of which she was wonderfully gifted, and with spending time with her children and grandchildren. She spent her eighties and nineties carving an amazing garden from a barren lot, frequently on her knees with a hand spade. Her flowers continued to give her great joy all through her last summer, though in recent years she bemoaned her inability to get down and pull out the ugly weeds! Her family and most of their good friends will always remember her through the wonderful Christmas elves, Santas, nativities, and carolers she crafted over many years as gifts, along with the beautiful sweaters we all cherish. She was an indefatigable shopper and not infrequently exhausted her daughters on fondly-remembered shopping sprees, in places far and wide. Her happiest times were when all her family could be present for some feast, and, particularly at Christmas, chaos was her bliss.

 

Leaving behind to miss terribly their wonderful mother and dear friend are her daughters Fran (Paulette Sourisseau) of Darlings Island, NB, Sue, Marg (Brian Scott), of St. John’s, and Leah (Jim Rodger) of Torbay, her son Charles (Dianne) of Pasadena, her daughter-in-law Sandy Clarke-Dearin of Calgary, and the grandchildren who brought her such joy: Jonathan (Diana White & great-grandchild Sophie) and Sarah Martin; Colin (Laurence Fecteau), Katy (Brandon Green), and Ian (Becca Walker) Scott; Ewan, Andrew, and David Rodger; Bruce, Angela, and Tammy Dearin; Maree and Liam Dearin, along with her dear nephews Jim (Ann Marie) and Paul (Sharon) Moores. Her family would like to thank the professional women who brought such compassion and security to all of us in Mom’s final months: Suzanne Condon, NP, the Palliative Care Team, and Ashley Brocklehurst, her care worker.

 

Cremation has taken place.   The family will be receiving visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road from 2-9 p.m. on Sunday, February 17th. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 18th, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. from Mary Queen of Peace Church, Torbay Rd. Inurnment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in her memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, L. A. Miller Centre. To send a message of condolence please visit www.carnells.com.

 

 

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

 

 

Schedule

Visitations

2-9 p.m. on February 17, 2019

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map


funeral

9:30am, Monday February 18th

Mary Queen of Peace Church, Torbay Road


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Dear Susan and family, I am just now learning of your Mom’s passing. She was without a doubt one of my favourite clients. I loved her sense of humour and her hearty laugh and thoroughly enjoyed our little chats over the years. She was a beautiful lady. I will miss her.
Take care.

Dear Leah, My condolences on the passing away of your dear mother. She sounded like a wonderful woman. Take Cate, Maria Goodridge

Charlie, Diane, Bruce, Angela and Tammy, and the Dearin family,
Our thoughts are with you for a life well lived, although far away, may you feel our hugs from a distance.

Sue, Marg and the Dearin family: I was so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Only a few weeks ago, I asked Marg how your mother was doing, and I was saddened to hear that she was fading. As children, your Mom always welcomed us into her home to play. And as an adult, I loved talking to her about her garden, whenever I brought my children to Chery Hill Park. Her strong and loving presence lives on in you all.

Dearin family…. I’m so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. It is so hard to lose a loved one no matter what the age…and especially your Mother. You have such wonderful memories of her and hold them close. I worked with Fran for several years and there are so many stories and so many laughs. Bernadette and I especially talk and think of her. RIP dear Friend.

Margaret and Family,
My sincere condolences on the death of your Mom. No matter the age the loss of a parent leaves a void in your heart. What a wonderful legacy she has left in her children and grandchildren. Surely the very best of her lives on in all of you. I hope it brings you some comfort to know that so many people are thinking of you at this sad time for your family. There is no doubt how much she was loved, it was evident each and everytime I saw her with you and your sisters. May she now rest in peace with your Dad.

Dear Fran Jr and family:
Sounds like your Mom lived a great life. Thanks for telling me some of her story.
Big hugs from Jim and The Back Row 2CB

Sue and Marg,
So sorry to hear of your Mothers passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our sincere condolences to everyone. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. James and Chris Power

Fran & Paulette
Sincere condolences to you and all the family. Your mother has been given a wonderful tribute with the beutiful obituary you offered. We send warm wishes for healing and peace.
Carole and Bill

Fran Dearin and Paulette Sourisseau;
Fran – we were sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. 95 years is amazing but ill health over time is very hard on a vibrant person as your mom sounded to be. As well the hardship on the family would have been diffucult . Take time to heal. Share memories, laughter and tears.
Pauline Walker /Judy Kaye

Rest in peace Mrs. D
Thank you

Marg & Family,

So sorry to hear about your Mom. I know you will cherish your memories. Hugs my friend.

Marg and family,
We are all thinking of you at this difficult time. Take comfort in your memories

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I know how tough it is to lose your mother at any age. At least she is with your dad where she wanted to be…..hugs

Marg and family,
Thinking of you at this sad time. From my discussions with you it was clear that you and your family had a very close relationship with your mother and that she had a wonderful sense of humour. Cherish the memories.

Fran and family.
Thinking of you as you say good bye to your mother. She lived a long and full life. You will miss her physical presence, but her spirit will remain with you.
George and Alan

Marg and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May God Bless you. May Mrs Dearin rest in Peace.

Our deepest sympathy to all the Dearin Family on
the passing of Mrs Fran Dearin. They were our first
helpful, friendly and good neighbors when we came
to live on this street. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and for you all at this time. May God Bless you. May Mrs Dearin rest in Peace.

Marg Sue Leah and family
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mom.

Sue, Marg and Family,
My deepest condolences to you all.Hold close all your wonderful memories as they will bring such comfort in the coming days.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.May your Mom RIP.

Marg and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She lived a Wonderful life and I know she willed be missed. Sorry I can’t be there to visit with you on Sunday but know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May she RIP.