KLASSEN, Marie Francoise “Fran” (née Rivard)

August 1, 1936 — October 10, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Marie Francoise “Fran” Klassen on October 10, 2026, at her home in Kelowna. Fran was 90 years young and had recently celebrated her milestone birthday with family and friends. She found such joy in surprising her birthday guests by renewing her wedding vows, on August 1^st, with her beloved husband, Jack, of forty years.

Fran was born on August 1, 1936, in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, to Pete Rivard and Elizabeth Riviere-Rivard. A proud Métis woman with French and Cree ancestry, she spent several years in residential school as a young child, alongside her two younger brothers. She was eventually reunited with her family, in the Okanagan, which became her forever home.

Fran is survived by her loving husband, Jack; her daughter, Terry-Lee (Glenn) Beaudry; her stepchildren, Carla (Bruce) King, Aaron (Rhonda) Klassen, and Stuart Klassen; her grandchildren, Brett (Adrianna), Breezy (Elyas), Brandon (Trisha), Christine (Michael), Tanner, Kelsey, Raeleen, Kassie, and Chase; her great-grandchildren, Taya, Jonel, Louie, and Henri; and her siblings, Roger Rivard (Judy), Jerry Rivard, Florence (Don) Koch, Doreen Love, and Marilyn Marcenko. She was predeceased by her parents, Pete and Elizabeth Rivard; her brother, Jean Rivard; her brother-in-law, Blaine Love; her sister-in-law, Florence Rivard; and, her former husband, Tom McKinnon.

Fran was known for her exceptionally strong work ethic, which extended from her professional to personal life. In the 1950s, she served as a nursing assistant at Kelowna General Hospital, and; later, a medical receptionist, a dental receptionist, and a dental assistant, contributing significantly to expanding the business of local health clinics.  She was a natural business entrepreneur and was also known for being a highly professional and successful businesswoman in Kelowna.

Fran’s generosity reached far beyond her own family. She helped establish Kelowna General Hospital’s “Look Good Feel Better” Room at the Southern Interior Cancer Lodge where she volunteered for decades, and in 2001, she was named the City of Kelowna’s Woman of the Year for her outstanding community service to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Fran was also a dedicated volunteer for the local and provincial Prostate Cancer Foundation, even being asked to speak, alongside Jack, at provincial conferences on the ability to live a quality life with prostate cancer. Her dedication to supporting the dignity and wellness of cancer patients continued until her recent passing.

Fran loved life! She was competitive to the core (in a good way) playing on local soft ball teams to winning the 1967 BC championships in snowmobile racing. She was an avid card player (especially crib and sticks) and loved opening her doors to friends and family for hours of card games accompanied by an abundance of treats.  Fran and Jack were inseparable, sharing many fun times together on the dance floor, golf course, and traveling to their favourite destinations in sunny Arizona. From her impeccable home, to beautifully set tables, to the way she dressed and held herself, she had a presence that made you feel like an honoured guest in her home.

Fran’s generous and resilient spirit, her purpose-driven life, her huge smile, and her infectious laugh brought such joy to all of us. She gave selflessly to others and dedicated many decades to ensuring her husband, Jack, was well-supported during several rounds of cancer treatments.

One of Fran’s greatest teachings was the importance of showing gratitude and recognizing people’s special moments in life. Each year, she wrote hundreds of cards, notes, and letters with heartfelt messages of love. We will treasure Fran’s handwritten words for years to come. It’s a reminder to all of us how powerful it is when we slow down to handwrite the words that reflect our love to others.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the paramedics who responded on the afternoon of Saturday, October 10^th, bringing their expertise, grace, and kindness to a family devastated by the loss of their Elder Matriarch. Huge gratitude is extended to Dr. Sandy Nash and Dr. Tara Sebulsky, her former and current family doctors, who provided such excellent care to Fran over the years.

A Celebration of Life is being held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM, located at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Look Good Feel Better Program at Kelowna’s Southern Interior Cancer Lodge in honour of Fran Klassen’s unwavering commitment to the wellness and dignity of cancer patients (www.cancer.ca).

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service Details

The service for KLASSEN, Marie Francoise “Fran” (née Rivard) is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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