Visitation:
A gathering for family and friends will take
place at the Charing Cross United Church
on October 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Frances was born in Smiths Falls, Ontario to Frank A. and Lillian D. Church and passed away at Perth Community Care Centre in Perth, Ontario, after a long battle with Alzheimers.
Fran is lovingly remembered by her daughter Susan (Sue) Elaine Emerson of Fergus; son James Franklin (Frank) Emerson and wife Jami of Liberty, North Carolina; grandson Matthew Emerson and great granddaughters Lilah and Lilly of Rockland; grandson David Emerson of Blackburn; her brother James Robert (Bob) L. Church of Smiths Falls and his wife Catherine A. Fran will also be dearly missed by her sister-in-law Dora A. Church of Perth; brother-in-law Roy Bedford of Chatham; sister-in-law Mae Bedford of Simcoe; Granddaughter Clare Bedford of London; cousin Dawn (McIntyre) Banville of Smiths Falls, and their families.
Fran is predeceased by her Brothers Charles Edward (Ted) Church of Perth; Clifford J. Church of Wheatley; as well as her dear husband Harry Bedford of Chatham and stepson son Randy of London; her brothers-in-law Don, Clarence, George Bedford; her sisters-in-law Lois and Lorraine Bedford; and her companion Edley (Ed) Major of Shrewsbury.
Fran’s career as a medical records librarian was mostly spent working within the Ontario Provincial Government, at Blue Water Regional Center while living in Ripley and Goderich. During this time she obtained her MBA. Fran spent most of her working life in the Chatham area in the Administration at Southwestern Regional Centre. Fran was also very involved with the Kent Kennel Club, Charing Cross United Church UCW and Choir, and with Geranium House.
Fran was a friendly outgoing person who was quick to make friends everywhere. She would brighten up a room with her smile, her friendly way and her kind heart. She was always looking for ways to help others less fortunate than herself any way that she could. She will always be remembered for those qualities.
A private family internment service will take place at Evergreen cemetery where Fran will be laid to rest beside Harry. A gathering for all family and friends will follow at Charing Cross United Church on October 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, or Geranium House.
