FRANCES ELIZABETH SOMMER (AUSTIN)

Frances passed away quietly on January 15, 2020 in Medicine Hat Regional Hospital at the age of 88 years, she was born in Meaford, Ontario on February 26, 1931 to the late George and Mabel Austin.

Frances leaves to cherish her memory a son Donald Knight, five Grandchildren and one Great-grandchild, three sisters, June, Gladys and Shirley, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Frances was predeceased by her husband Erwin Sommer, daughter Patricia (Trish) and son Robert (Bobby), her father and mother, six brothers, George, Les, William (Bill), Roy, Harold and Donald (Don), and two sisters Agnes and Gwen; Fran was number six in the tribe.

Fran loved sports and music. Music was an Austin trait and a big part of Fran’s life. Fran and her brother Don sang duets at fairs and with Hartley’s Band for dances in Meaford. Country music was in her blood, writing poems and songs, playing guitar and keyboard. Fran left all this and became a rancher with her late husband Erwin. When they sold the ranch and moved into Medicine Hat, Frances was back in the music and sports. She played slow pitch till in her seventies, she played for the Meaford Ladies team in her younger years. Frances played for Capital Glass, Centennials and Prime Cuts in Medicine Hat after the move from the ranch. I understand Frances quit because of complications with her shoulder. Frances was also an accomplished bowler, loved swimming and skating. Frances, you were loved and you will be missed.

Frances was laid to rest with her husband Erwin at the Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat, Alberta.