Frances Giles

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved wife, Mom, and Grandma Frances Margaret Giles on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025. Fran leaves to mourn her husband of 57 years Laurie, daughters Karen (David Agopsowicz), Carly (Robert Newton), and Lanie (Trevor McDonald), 5 grandchildren Danielle, Adam (Kelly), Zachary, Brady and Gemma, and many close extended family members and friends.

Fran was born February 9th, 1949 and was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba by her parents Carl and Anne, along with her sister Marianne. She was an accomplished pianist and sang at school events and even on CBC. Her family spent time at a cottage in St. Laurent on Lake Manitoba. She went to high school at Glenlawn Collegiate, and worked part-time in the cafeteria in Eatons Department Store. Most importantly, high school was where she met the love of her life, Laurie. They were married in 1968 and moved west for Laurie’s job to Edmonton, Regina and BC, which is where they settled. She worked in credit collections and took great joy in harassing people into paying their bills.

After they saw the beauty of Vancouver, Fran and Laurie couldn’t leave and bought a house on Lobb Ave in Port Coquitlam. Once settled, Fran stopped working outside the home and dedicated her time to raising her daughters and keeping an immaculate house. She was always helping with the girl’s school and sporting activities and was a passionate fundraiser. Fran would work the clock at ringette games and get so involved watching the play that she’d completely forget to stop the time, much to her daughter’s embarrassment. Her house was always open to the kid’s friends for hangouts and sleepovers and she’d keep everyone fed with delicious meals and snacks.

Fran had a very close group of girlfriends’ that she met when the girls were attending Kiddies Korner preschool. They formed a “Girls Club” that met & travelled together for over 45 years. Peggy, Gail, Darlene, Joan, Elaine, Olive and Sharon would have monthly get togethers to eat and laugh, and shared memorable trips to Whistler, Las Vegas, Harrison Hot Springs and Portland. She shared a close, almost lifelong bond with her best friend Peggy and with all of the members of the Girls Club. Peggy, Olive and Sherry started as neighbours and became part of the family in Port Coquitlam. Fran and Laurie also enjoyed many hockey trips and celebrations with the Brewsters hockey squad over the years.

Many summers were spent travelling to visit family in Winnipeg and enjoying time at Lundar Beach, one of her favourite places to be. She loved to sit and read outside while listening to the waves and soaking in the sun. When the girls were young Fran and Laurie would take them on camping trips and hikes around BC. Lots of amazing memories were made at the timeshare in Whistler with her kids, grandkids and friends biking, hiking, people watching, hot-tubbing and reading on the balcony. Fran was always the hostess with the mostest, attending to every need of anyone she invited into her home. She hosted many memorable Christmas dinners and Boxing Day drop-ins. She always made Christmas and other holidays magical for her kids and grandkids and spoil them to no end. Fran would create costumes for Halloween and school plays. She put together and sent packages to her grandkids for Valentines, Easter and Halloween which they eagerly awaited opening.

Laurie and Fran enjoyed many trips both close and far, such as visits to Summerland & Victoria to see Jackie, Bob and family and meeting up with John and Noreen in France. Winnipeg was a place they went many times to see Karen, Dave, Carly, Rob, the grandkids, Mavis, Rhonda, Freddy, Sandy and all of their many nieces and nephews. Some memorable trips were spending months travelling across Canada from ocean to ocean in a trailer, meeting family in Iceland and touring Europe. A favourite trip for the girls was when Fran took Karen, Carly and Lanie to Hawaii. Karen and Fran stayed longer and made some unforgettable memories together. More recently, Fran enjoyed a cruise to Alaska with Laurie, Lanie, Trevor and his family. After Laurie retired, they spent a month in Palm Springs each winter.

Fran kept everyone on her toes with her quick wit and banter. She had a sarcastic sense of humour and was cracking quips right up to her last days in the hospital. Her greatest legacy was the kindness, empathy and love she showed to everyone around her. Many have reached out to share a time that she quietly helped them in a time of need. She adored her daughters and was always thinking of ways she could make their lives better and support them, signing off every card and text with Love Mom. Fran was a hands-on “Silly Grandma” and played games with Danielle, Adam and Zac and read many stories to Brady and Gemma. She came out to watch them play sports and was their biggest cheerleader. Although far away they kept in touch with facetime calls and visits. Fran and Laurie had an epic love story that spanned over 70 years. They supported each other through the ups and downs of life and took care of each other in a million big and little ways. Fran doted on Laurie and made most of his meals and always packed sandwiches for him to take when he was golfing. They enjoyed reading the paper together in the mornings and watching shows together at night.

As Fran’s health declined she spent more time at home, doing puzzles to keep her mind sharp, writing endless to do notes and sitting on the balcony in her “office” watching the seasons change. She would keep in touch with family and friends from her ipad and enjoyed seeing what everyone was up to on social media sites. If you knew Fran I’m sure she touched your life in a special way and made you laugh, and in lieu of flowers we ask for donations in her name to the BC Lung Association.

Thank you for making us your everything – Laurie, Karen, Carly & Lanie.