February 16, 1948 – April 14, 2017

Patricia Lucille (Franko) Russell, of Candle Lake, SK, was born on February 16, 1948 in Watson Saskatchewan to Henry and Eva Franko.  She passed away April 14, 2017 at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert at the age of 69.  Pat took her schooling in Nipawin, SK after which she worked at the Bank of Montreal in Nipawin.  In 1966, she met her future husband, James Arthur Russell of Rosetown, SK, who at the time was working for the Federal Government in Nipawin.  They married April 27, 1968 at the Nipawin United Church.  To this union two children were born, Angela Lyn in 1972 and Timothy James in 1974.  In 1975, both art and Pat decided to make a career change and started to farm near White Fox, SK.  Pat loved and valued family.  She always involved herself in her childrens’ sporting events and extra-curricular activities.  One could often find her playing, teaching and building things with her kids.  In addition, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and looked forward to being at activities they were engaged in.  As community was important to Pat, she was an active member of the Nipawin Kinette Club and was the Charter President of the White Fox Kinette Club.  As well, Pat was a member of the White Fox Legion.  Her hobbies were painting, working in her flowerbeds, sewing, organizing and trying her luck at the Casinos.  Pat had a knack for meeting people and often set people at ease resulting in them opening up to her.  Wherever she was, she seemed to know everyone on a first name basis!  Pat loved to travel.  She visited family wherever they lived and could be found hopping a plane or driving to go see them.  She went to Japan twice, once in 1998 and a second trip in 2000 while her daughter was teaching there.  Also, within that time frame she and Art travelled to Australia in 1998, where they visited the friends Tim had farmed for.  In 2009, they ventured to see Angela in The Netherlands and toured around other parts of Europe.  They retired from farming in 2007 and moved to their cabin at Candle Lake.  In 2013, together they started spending their winters in Indio, California where she was busy making new friends, socializing and participating in arts and crafts.  Two of Pat’s favorite sayings that her children could often hear her share with them were: “Where there is a will, there is a way” and “Don’t worry, it will all work out in the end”.  Pat is survived by her husband Art of 49 years; her daughter Angela (Ken) Okanee and their children Brooke and Alexanndria; her son Timothy (Wanda) and their children Austin and Shaylyn; her father Henry Franko; her siblings June (John) Bright, Gord (Gwen) Franko, Garry (Leanne) Franko, Ed (Mary) Franko, Joanne (John) Eaton, Jackie (Rob) Butler and Greg Franko; sister-in-law Marion (Forrest) Wohlberg; brothers-in-law Donald (Marian) Russell and Wayne (Roberta) Russell; as well as numerous extended family.  She was predeceased by her mother Eva (Kozak) Franko; and mother and father in law Jim and Verna (Lord) Russell.  Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Calvary United Church, 114 – 25th Street East, Prince Albert, SK with Reverend Nora Vedress officiating.  Interment will be held at a later date.  In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

 

• Date : 2017-04-14