Maria Francelina Fernandes, known affectionately as Fran, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26th, in Mississauga at the age of 84. Born Maria Francelina da Conceição Bertolo in Lisbon, Portugal, to Joaquim Diogo Bertolo and Joaquina Rodrigues, Fran bravely immigrated to Canada on November 29, 1968, embarking on a new chapter of her life. She was the beloved wife of Antonio Jose Fernandes, whom she married on December 15, 1962, and with whom she shared many loving years. Fran dedicated many years of her professional life to the Bank of Montreal, serving as a Central Teller in various locations across Toronto and Etobicoke before her well-deserved retirement. Always very elegant and stylish, Fran loved to present herself impeccably. She was a very social person who loved to cook and entertain, bringing joy to many gatherings. In her retirement, Fran found great joy in traveling to Portugal, spending cherished time in her Portuguese home, and visiting with friends and family in Estremoz and Lisbon. She was the loving mother of Adilia Christina Fernandes and Jennifer Fernandes, and cherished grandmother to Nicole Arbuckle, Ethan Crumb, and Marlo Dicks. Fran is survived by her devoted husband, Antonio Jose Fernandes.

A memorial service to celebrate Fran's life will be held at Turner & Porter Peel Chapel in Mississauga on Saturday, December 13th, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.