After a full and rich life Josie passed away peacefully at the age of 95 at Elim Care Home in Surrey BC. She was born in Mikado, Saskatchewan to Michael and Mary Furman, the second youngest of 9 children. She moved to Proctor, BC in her early 20’s where she met and married Fred Fransen in 1941. They spent the next 40 years in Sunshine Bay BC, operating a fruit farm and raising five children. After Fred’s passing in 1981, Josie moved closer to Nelson and several years later to Surrey BC.
Josie was a kind and nurturing person who cared deeply for her family. She loved nature, her flowers and was known to be a terrific cook. She enjoyed painting, singing and dancing and had a love of learning and adventure, driving across Canada alone in her Toyota van at age 70. Her great sense of humor with her special ‘wink’ and ‘hand shake’ will be missed.
She leaves behind her 5 children, Judy (Jack) Cross (Cranbrook), Sheila Fransen (Kamloops), Thor (Judy)Fransen, South Slocan, Freda Fransen-Burt(Cloverdale), Linnea(Craig) Robinson(N. Delta), 11 grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin)Miller, Carolyn Cross, John (Katy)Cross, Andrew Cross, Carl (Clare) Fransen, Lana (Stu)Holmes, Karen(Fred)Ghatala, David Burt, Jeff (Tara) Robinson, Julie Robinson (fiancé, Cam Rathwell),Ben (Courtenay)Robinson and six great grandchildren, Cale(Nicole)Miller, Austin and Spencer Cross, Maxance Fransen, Aria Holmes and Michael Robinson.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to all the staff of 2 East at the Harrison, Elim Village.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Nelson, BC at a later date.