We Remember

TOLBOOM, Frances
January 29, 1924 — February 9, 2022
Frances Tolboom (formerly Russett, née McKay) passed away peacefully at age 98 on February 9, 2022. Frances leaves behind her cherished and devoted husband John Tolboom, who was at her side in her final moments.
Born January 29, 1924, Frances was the oldest of John and Lillian McKay’s nine children. Frances was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister whose generous spirit won the admiration of her large family and many friends. She was known for her skill and generosity in preparing feasts for her family (at which there was always an extra seat), and was faithful to her Christian fellowship and friends (which was always evident in the peaceful spirit in her home). Frances raised seven children and took great pride in her 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Frances is survived by her daughters Joyce Houlind, Cheryl (Jim) Earl, Gaynell (Murray) Reiter, Melody Forsythe, and her son Daryl. Frances is also survived by her sisters Annette Gallagher, Dianne (Steve) Revak, and sister-in-law Lillian McKay. She was predeceased by her husband Melvin Russett in 1996, her son Floyd Russett in 1967, and her daughter Darlene Russett in 2006, as well as her sons-in-law Gordon Houlind and Dale Forsythe. Frances will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
The family extends special thanks to the staff at Cottonwoods Care Centre and Dr. T. Sebulsky for their kind and loving care in Frances’ last years.
A funeral service will be held Monday, February 28, 2022, at 1:00 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Monday, February 28, 2022, at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Frances was a dear, loving sister. I was able to share so many occasions all my life, our family will miss her. Rest in peace sweetheart.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Frances. We have many treasured memories over the years. Her bright smile always lit up the room. Our sincere condolences to the family. We will miss her.
Dear Family,
Our thoughts of Sympathy are with you all on the loss of your Dear Mother.. It’s not easy to lose a Mother, Grandmother or a Spouse, but one is glad that their loving, caring influences remain and give us comfort. Deepest Sympathy to All..
We have the fondest of memories of gathering with John & Frances at the McMeeken home for several years. Our sympathy goes to Frances’ daughters & their families and particularly to John knowing how much he will miss his dear wife & friend.
Our deepest sympathy to John, Joyce, Cheryl, Gaynell, Melody, Daryl and family. We will miss Aunt Francis’ laughter and joy for life.
We always had special times with Francis and Mel when they came to visit Cheryl in Fort Nelson… then we loved dropping in to see John and Francis when we were in Kelowna. There were her beautiful pie dishes sitting all over their place and I lifted the cover on one and there was a REAL PIE in it!! That was how Francis liked it! Sending lots of comfort and love to you John and all the family!!
John, Melody, Darryl and family .
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ray & Lorena Reimer
Shaughnessy Green neighbour
Sending our love and thoughts with all of you today. Can’t help remembering all the laughter, fun and good food that was part of every family gathering. Grandma’s huckleberry or blueberries pies were legendary. Love you to the moon and back Gran and Great Grandma. Forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Maxine and family.
We are sending sincere condolences to all the family in the passing of Aunt Frances. We had the privilege of visiting BCa few times and were always received with open arms and have great memories of those visits which we will cherish.
Deepest sympathy to all the family of Aunt Francis.
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Aunt Francis
Dear Melody, John and all of Francis’ beloved family, we have beautiful memories of a wonderful lady. We know you will all miss her so much. May memories of her love and devotion to God and to her family be a comfort.
Your Mom was such a wonderful person. I am glad for the years that I have known her. Sorry for your loss. Moms are special.
Dear John, Melody, Cheryl, Daryl & family: When I heard of our dear Frances’ passing, my first thots went way back to when my Frank & Ken Sutherland first met Mel & Frances…. Beaverdell days. My Frank had a few ‘stories’ re their times together!!! One that he loved sharing was when Ken & he met a ‘friend’ that left an impression’ on them that lasted for quite awhile!!! The boys were sleeping in there cabin on the yard. During the night, a leg of their bed went thro the floor 🙁 . Unbeknown to them, their ‘friend….a skunk’ was sleeping in the crawl space. The unexpected startled their ‘friend, who immediately released an ‘influence’ that reached Frank & Ken!!! Later that day, the boys went to the downtown store. Upon entering, the man behind the counter made a very loud exclamation, saying, “PEWWWWW!!!! A SKUNK!! ” Of course, Ken & Frank are laughing & Frank said, “I GUESS WE’RE THE SKUNK!!!” AND shared their recent experience 🙂 🙂 !! // I can relate to what the grandson said re their Granny pushing ‘goodies’ down your throat!! “Com’on, Frank & Betty!!!! One more scoop of ice-cream won’t hurt you!! :-)!!! [Frank a diabetic??!!] Well, much later, & we’re visiting JOHN & FRANCES. THAT same beautiful hospitality was expressed to us!! THANK YOU, JOHN!! // Frances’ ‘little day’ is over & my heart is rejoicing to think that she is now ‘seeing what she believed!’ She’s ‘hung her shield of faith in victory’. “TIME IS A HEALER!!” NOW, may you, dear family & all of us, be encouraged as we think on the beautiful MEMORIES that remain !!
Thinking of you with love as mourn and come to terms with the great loss of Fances…what an amazing and beautiful wife, Mum, Granny ann friend…..many precious memories and sentiments of her will keep her close in your hearts. She is truly and inspiration and wonderful example to us all…its such a comfort to think of her in Eternal Paradise now. Much love to you all….Rod and Jean McLean