Mary Frances LeBelle (Nee Rand)

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our dear Fran. After a yearlong battle with cancer, Fran had a gentle passing with family by her side, at the Queensway Carleton Hospital. 

She will be lovingly remembered and painfully missed by her best friend and husband of 55 years, Michael; and her children Charles (Michelle) and Matthew (Olivia). Grand-children; Avery, Nolan, Roman and Aleksandra will always have a special place in their hearts for their Nanny Franny.

Fran is survived by her brother, Father Kevin Rand, and her sisters, Cathy (Richard McManus) and Connie (Dave Gibson). She is predeceased by her parents, Mary Rose and George Basil Rand.

Born in Ottawa, Fran graduated from Ridgemont High School, Teacher’s College, and Carleton University. She had a long, successful career teaching for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Fran had a very full retired life; always active, healthy and social. People were drawn to her friendly, warm, upbeat energy and she made friends everywhere she went. Fran loved her winters in Naples, Florida, which she enjoyed for many decades. As Fran would say, true to her zodiac sign, she loved anything to do with water. So many great memories around boating, the beach and pool. She had a keen, creative passion for taking photos to honour even the simplest of pleasures, and beauty in life. Just like her mother, Fran’s strong positive spirit, passion for life and love of people, served her well and she enjoyed a wonderful life. Fran cherished her last year with her loving husband, Mike. Their final chapter together was a selfless demonstration of what true love looks like. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knows her. We cry today because we miss her, but we will smile forever to know this beautiful soul.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Ottawa Hospital General Campus for providing expert care during Fran’s treatment, and the staff of the Queensway Carleton Hospital for providing such compassionate and comprehensive care during Fran’s final weeks.

The family will be accepting condolences at Tubman Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Rd, (between Bayshore and Baseline Rd.) Nepean, ON K2H 8H7, on Saturday, March 8th, 10 am to 12 pm. A service will take place immediately after, followed by a reception. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation.