Fran Uhrich passed away peacefully in the arms of her loving family October 14, 2017. Fran was raised in the farming town of Oungre, SK by Delores (nee McAlpine) and Albert Sampson. After graduating from high school, Fran attended the Regina Grey Nun’s School of Nursing and became an RN in 1970. After nursing in Weyburn for one year she was engaged to Brian, her high school sweetheart. She moved to Saskatoon and married in 1972. After Brian completed his Engineering in 1973, they moved to Alberta for his petroleum career and lived in many locations including: Whitecourt, Chicago, Drayton Valley, Fort McMurray, Red Deer and Calgary. Her children, Devin (b. 1978), and Tracy (b. 1980), were her joy in life. She gave up nursing to dedicate her time to them; from changing diapers, chauffeuring and hosting friends, to fundraising and planning weddings. Fran had a knack for attracting numerous groups of loving girlfriends, and formed these relationships from her school days, neighbors, school parents, Stampede Band volunteers, Chicago expats, golf partners, cabin neighbors and many others. Fran loved the mountains, especially the three-hour drive to the cabin through the Rockies, where she spotted wildlife and sang along to oldies. Devin and Breanne and Tracy and Vince blessed Fran with four grandchildren, ranging 6 to 9 years of age. Although Fran suffered from Alzheimer’s for six years, it had yet to affect her ability to openly love and cherish her family. Until her last day, Brian and the family did many things to maximize the meaning of Fran’s life, especially with her grandchildren: family visits, school pickups, weekends and summers at the cabin, dinners out on Friday, spring breaks in Mexico, and frequent FaceTime calls. As recent as last week, Fran always commented, “We have a perfect life and a perfect family”. Fran was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her husband Brian Uhrich; son Devin Uhrich; daughter Tracy Strem; daughter-in-law Breanne Uhrich; son-in-law Vince Strem; and her precious grandchildren William Uhrich, Lucy Uhrich, Stanley Strem and Charlie Strem. Fran will also be missed by her sister Pat Larsen; and brother, Marvin Sampson; as well as the families of Brian’s four brothers and three sisters, plus numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Fran’s Funeral of Remembrance was celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E. Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Reception followed at the church. Graveside Service followed at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Fran Uhrich, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 1-800-661-1599. You may wish to email your family and friends to let them know that the above obituary may be viewed online at: www.mcinnisandholloway.com
