France Marie Marthe Dunham nee Barrette - May 31, 1931 - March 9, 2023

France passed away at Penticton Regional Hospital with her eldest and youngest children by her side. Her life began in the family home in Saint Antoine, Quebec, as the youngest and 13th child of the Barrette family. From there, her life continued with a family relocation to a beautiful home and farm in Huntington, followed by brief stays in areas of Montreal. Among her fondest memories as a young woman there, were times she spent caring for her nieces and nephews, some of whom she maintained contact with up until her last few days of life.

France’s life changed forever when she met a young sailor Doug, whom after a short time, she married and began to build her own family with. Doug’s navy career took them from coast to coast, landing finally in Nova Scotia where, as a young wife and mother, France began a career as a secretary at Hampton Gray School. In 1975, they moved to Penticton, where she continued this career at Princess Margaret School for another 16 years. She was a dedicated volunteer to the South Okanagan Symphony and later to the ‘Springs’ library.

Although France hadn’t traveled for some time, it was a passion that she always carried. She loved to paint pictures and cards and so many of us have saved cherished mementos of those. She loved to garden, still tending her vegetables and flowers right into last fall. She loved to sing, she loved to read and she loved people, which is so evident with the numerous wonderful, special and precious friends that she has made through the years.

France was predeceased by her husband of over 67 years Doug and by her daughter Jessica. She is survived by her children: Joanne (Collen Popoff), Maxine and Matthew (Shaun); grandchildren: Kristy (Darren Scherger), Laura (Mark Calabrese), Josh, Ian Popoff (Daniela) and Kalli (Stuart Ballard); great grandchildren: Barrett and Wesson Scherger; her sister Lucienne and her brother Yves; her in-laws: Eillah (Charlie Hill), Reg (Debbie) and Pat (Gordon Howard) and so many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

France lived her life with wit and humour, strength and compassion. She put everyone else’s needs before her own and all who knew her love, were better for it. Forever kind, devoted and loving. We will love her always.

The family extends its sincerest appreciation to the Doctors and dedicated staff of Penticton Regional Hospital for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to someone in France’s honor.

A memorial will be held in mid-August, with details to be provided approximately 2 weeks prior.