Frances "Fran" Avison

A very special and beautiful lady, Fran Avison (nee Housley), age 100, passed away at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, in Bracebridge, on February 1, 2022.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arnold Willson Avison, in 1983. She leaves behind her dear niece Kathryn (Avison) Walker, husband Scott, and grandniece Kailey Avison Walker.

Fran celebrated her 100th birthday on November 28, 2021, at Castle Peak Retirement Home.  She was her radiant self in a bright pink outfit and sparkly banner reading “I am 100.”

Fran was happily married to Arn Avison.  They lived in Toronto where they shared ownership of Abbot & Brothers Millinery business for many years, before moving full time to their cottage on Wildwood Road, west of Bracebridge. It was here where they made lifelong friends with their neighboring cottagers.

The couple was involved in the Muskoka Lakes community as Arn represented Muskoka Lakes Township on council.  They also owned the grocery store at Beaumaris and became lifelong friends with the young staff.  Fran worked with Dr. Jim Wright for many years as his medical secretary and enjoyed weekly visits once he retired.  She was a volunteer with the Women’s Auxiliary, at the Bracebridge Hospital.

Fran attracted many lifelong friends because she always had current and youthful ideas along with her quick wit and high level of intelligence.

Many thanks to the staff at Castle Peak Retirement Home, and to her special friend Armand and his family for the many years of wonderful care and friendship.

Thank you to the doctors and nurses at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care during her brief stay at the hospital.

Fran will be dearly missed by all!

At Fran’s request, there will be no service and cremation has taken place. For those who wish, in memory of Fran, donations can be made to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital https://www.healthmuskoka.ca/ or Hospice Muskoka https://www.hospicemuskoka.com/ and may be arranged through Reynolds Funeral Home.