In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Dorothy Evelyn (Lynn) Francis (née Hammett)

 

Signalwoman, WRCNS

 

Born: 31 Jan 12922, Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

Died: 11 Oct 2020, Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

FRANCIS, Dorothy Evelyn (Lynn) (née HAMMETT) - It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother at the age of 98.

 

She was predeceased by her husband Jimmy, her son Peter, and her sister Muriel. Left to carry on the Hammett tradition of living long, healthy lives are her sisters, Margaret and Jean, and her brother, John. She is survived by her children, Ann (Chai), David (Anne), Kathleen and Jeffrey, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and foster daughter, Valerie.

 

Mom was born in Winnipeg and lived her entire life here. She graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate in 1939. In 1942, Mom enlisted in the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens) where she was a signaler, stationed in Halifax until her discharge in 1945. Everything Navy related stayed with her all her life. Remembrance Day Services, and Battle of Atlantic Day Parade and Service were two events she attended faithfully every year.

 

Mom married Jimmy in 1945, and settled into married life in St. Vital, moving to south St. Vital (St. Germaine) in 1961. She spent hours in her vegetable garden producing all kinds of vegetables for harvesting and freezing for the winter. Mom grew all the corn for the yearly corn roast and was annoyed if she had to buy some to top it up! She made countless jars of crabapple and plum jams and jellies. Her raspberry patch produced so much she sold to local market gardens, giving away countless basketfuls and of course more jam. All organic, fed from her compost pile and watered from the rain barrels. Mom was known for her baking especially her chocolate cakes, pies and cookies. Never did a store bought baking item enter our home! Mom spent her evenings knitting everything from hats to scarves to mitts to socks to the beautiful sweaters mom made for all of us. Mom lived by the three R's long before they ever existed. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Nothing was ever wasted in our home.

 

Mom was affiliated with many organizations over the years including St. Vital Historical Society, Manitoba Geneology Society, United Empire Loyalists, St. Albans quilters, Toastmistress Club, White Ensign Naval Club (annual corn roasts were legendary), Naval Officers Association, Ex-Wrens Association, Centennial Wrenette Officers Association. She served as commanding officer of the Wrenette Corp at Chippawa in 1982. Lastly, the St. Vital Fair Ladies Agricultural Society where she won countless ribbons, awards and honorable mentions for her knitting and baking.

 

The foster parents plan was a cause close to Mom's heart and over the years she sponsored many children from various countries.

 

The family would like to thank Tuxedo Villa and the staff of Station 2 for their kindness, care, and compassion, with a special thank you to Lindsay.

 

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of donations, please hug your loved ones, spend time in nature or plant a tree.

 

As per Mom's request there will be no service. A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. (Winnipeg Free Press 17 Oct 2020)

 


 

Wrens Crossed the Bar Index

 

HOME PAGE     SHIP INDEX      CONTACT