It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Blanche Fraser on November 29, 2021 in Toronto. Blanche was born on October 8, 1924 in Port-Aux-Basque, Newfoundland to the late John and Nina Richards. She moved to Nova Scotia in her teens where she met her husband, William Douglas (Doug) Fraser. They were married in 1947 and enjoyed a happy life together until Doug’s passing in 1998. Blanche spent most of her adult life in Halifax where she enjoyed her years working at the Dalhousie University Library and the company of her neighbourhood bridge club friends. She moved to Toronto in 2015 to be close to her son Bill and his family.
Blanche was predeceased by her son Hugh, and sisters Hyacinthe Legge, Irma Hattie, and Beulah Rhyno. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Sheila (Hugh’s widow), grandson Doug, his wife Annika and their four children Axel, Griffin, Malin and Sawyer, granddaughter Carol and her husband Dorian Scheidt, her younger son Bill, his wife Kathleen, granddaughter Mary Beth, her husband John Suriano and their sons William and Cameron, and granddaughter Mary Kate. Her family is grateful to her nieces Lorraine, Joan, Sandra, Paula and Pat who all kept in regular touch over the years.
Blanche called the Revera Kingsway Residence home for the last six years and was pleased to make an early acquaintance with her tablemate Thelma with whom she shared a close friendship for a number of years. The staff at the Kingsway were always kind and helpful and she was truly treated as a member of the Kingsway family. Their attention was particularly appreciated during these last few weeks which allowed Blanche to spend her last days in peaceful dignity. We are also grateful to the PSWs and nursing staff of the Local Health Integrated Network and Divine Home Care who provided compassionate care during these last few weeks.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Toronto. There will be no funeral service at the request of the deceased. Blanche’s ashes will be interred in Nova Scotia at a later date. If you wish, donations in her memory may be made to Fighting Blindness Canada (https://www.fightingblindness.ca/), Foundation Fighting Blindness – US (https://www.fightingblindness.org/), or a charity of your choice.