With great sadness for themselves, yet joy for her release, the family of Frances Mary Winter, age 72 , of Salt Springs, NB, announces her peaceful passing, which occurred on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the Dr. V. A. Snow Centre, surrounded by her family. Born in Saint John, NB, on December 15, 1943, she was the only child of the late Boyd Waddell and Martha (Callaghan)(Waddell) McQuinn. Frances is survived, and already missed, by her devoted and loving husband of 50 years, K. Howard Winter; grateful, privileged children: Boyd (Jill) Winter of Titusville, NB, Anita (Dean) Rodgerson of Salt Springs, NB, and Jeffrey Winter of Etobicoke, ON; beloved, adoring grandchildren: Deanna (of St. John's, NL), Joshua, Janika, Rebecca, Talia, Peter and Michael, as well as the many whose lives she touched across country and continents. Frances' father, of Delburne, AB, chose her name, yet died before she was born. Her mother (who lived to 100) returned to NB to raise "Francie" amongst her many maternal relatives. After attending Saint John High School and Bethany Bible School, Yarmouth, NS, as a young adult Fran worked for Irving Oil, then followed in her mother's footsteps & headed West to meet her paternal family. It was while employed as an IBM operator in Howard's hometown of Calgary, AB, that Frances met him and fell in love. From here also she embarked on a world adventure, celebrating her 20th birthday in Paris, and exploring Europe, the Middle East and Japan. Fran attended Canadian Nazarene College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fran & "Howie" married January 1966 in Calgary in the presence of his large family. They eventually settled in NB to raise their own family. Fran's many jobs, in addition to her 1st calling of amazing wife & mother, included teacher at private Christian schools in Hampton, Moncton & Sussex, secretary, certified reflexologist, dealer in various wholistic health products, tour-promoter/organizer for travel agents, and operator of her own local touring business when she & Howard lived in Moncton in the 90's. She indulged her love of travel "as often, as cheaply, & as authentically" as she could. A beach-comber, collector of old books, and an avid horticulturist with gardens wherever she lived, she was "environmentally friendly" & "thrifty" before either was trendy. A true intellectual and life-long learner, Fran drew seekers whenever she facilitated in-depth and open-minded Bible studies. With her family grown, she convinced Howard they should head to Mozambique, Africa to serve with Wesleyan Global Partners, where, over several years, "Mama Fran" enjoyed teaching English while he supervised building construction. Fran's legacy: She encouraged her sphere to love learning & adventure, to seek to know their Creator, to accept others unconditionally, and to always recognize & count their many blessings! A regal, yet down-to-earth lady, even the ravages of Alzheimer's could not destroy the essence of Fran's indomitable spirit, which she retained with her gracious, nodding smile until the end of her earthly journey. Her family extends heart-felt thanks to each of the amazing staff and volunteers at the Snow Centre for the exceptional care Fran received over 2+ years, as well as to home-care providers, supportive neighbours and friends in the previous 10 years. Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. A memorial service celebrating Fran's life will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 7:00pm from Grace Valley Church, 185 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB. A stay/drop-in time of visitation will be held along with a reception following the service, from 8 to 9:00pm, also at Grace Valley Church. Private interment to take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Frances are welcomed to the charity of the donor’s choice. These and personal condolences to the family may be made through ReidsFH.com.