Obituary of Frances Elizabeth Carlson

April 22, 1942 – Medicine Hat, Alberta

September 17, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fran Carlson (nee Hammel), our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Super Grandma, and loving Wife of Barry Carlson, on Sunday, September 17, 2023, of Calgary, AB at the age of 81 years.

Fran was born to John and Anna Maria Hammel on April 22, 1942, in Medicine Hat, AB. She grew up on the family farm near Etzicom, AB, and was the second daughter of five children. Fran often spoke of her fond memories of growing up on the farm. Fran graduated from Conquerville Consolidated School in 1959 and embarked on a lifetime career in retail and accounting where she made many lifelong friends.

In 1962 Fran was married to Harold Eriksen and they made a home in Coaldale where they had four children. Allan, Sharmayne, Shaun and Lori. Fran spent many mornings transporting one or all the kids to their sporting activities in her nightgown which was safely hidden under her winter coat.

In 1995 Fran relocated from Lethbridge to Calgary. In 1997 Fran met Barry Carlson, they married on May 12, 2005. Fran and Barry enjoyed travelling extensively both before and after retirement including cruising in Europe, Australia, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. They even tested the strength of their marriage by embarking on a road trip across Canada and loving every bit of the trip.

Fran will be dearly missed at the family events as she was so well known for organizing most of the boxing day gatherings, family crafting and sewing projects, her beautiful gardens and of course the sports that she loved watching, especially curling.

Besides her loving husband Barry, Fran’s memory will also be cherished by her four children, Allan (Tammy), Sharmayne (Dan), Shaun and Lori; ten grandchildren, Cody (Paola), Kelvin (Clara), Scott (Kristi), Lisa (Michael), Rebecca, Troy (Tasha), Emily (Toni), Evan, Lucas, and Owen; and three great-grandchildren Nathan, Noah, and Anna Leia.

Fran was predeceased by her father, John Hammel, mother Maria Hammel, brother, Leroy Hammel, sister Margaret Bayer and brother-in-law Haven Lane.

The family is very thankful to the doctor’s and staff of Rockyview hospital and all the wonderful caring staff at Southwood hospice.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church (10 Prestwick Drive S.E., Calgary AB) on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Fran’s family here..  Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Fran’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222.  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial or to  the Southwood Hospice (501, 5920 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB) Telephone (403) 255-4969, www.intercarealberta.com.

In living memory of Fran Carlson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.