Francine Josephete Michelle Nantais

Wind blown and cheerful

Sliding over a broad Pacific swell

With dolphins, bird, and flying fish

The click of the wheel

Squeezing a bubble of laughter

From my mate

Days rolled by

Then weeks

Then land and a cheerful voice

A pal on the radio

Welcoming

A smile from my love

The weeks turned to months, then years

As our wee ship wandered west

To criss-cross the equator

To places unimagined.

Finding new friends

And children's laughter

At the heart of our adventure

Was her heart

Beating time with our travels

While her laughter and her optimism

Gave us the sunrise 

In the years following, Francine became a land bound beacon, a teacher, a volunteer, and a steady friend. Age would bring long calls to Quebec, and a cheerful smile to anyone who glanced her way.

Francine's illness was a journey from the Emergency Room at our North Island Hospital to Victoria General Hospital, to Palliative Care, to the wonderful Aitkin Hospice in Courtenay. Along the way she was cared for and comforted by so many doctors, nurses and other hospital staff, volunteers, and friends. We thank you all. We will never forget your kindness.

A celebration of Francine's life will be held at D’Esterre House, 1801 Beaufort Ave, Comox, on Saturday November 4th, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on Francine’s behalf, to the Salvation Army in Courtenay.