MARY LULUBELLE FRANCIS (nee Toulouse)

MARY LULUBELLE FRANCIS
(nee Toulouse)
October 31, 1947 – January 9, 2019
Mary Lulubelle Francis (Toulouse), October 31, 1947 – January 9, 2019. Lulubelle “Lou” Francis of Whitefish River First Nation passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends on January, 9, 2019 at the Manitoulin Health Centre in Little Current, at the age of 71. Lulubelle is predeceased by her husband of 48 years, the late George “Chauffeur” Francis. She is survived by her children; Aldric (Melinda), Debbie (Chris) Osborne, Jeff (Debbie), and Corinna (Doug) Spencer. Loving Daughter of Paul (late Lillian) Toulouse and Ida Southwind of Sagamok Anishnawbek. Dear Sister of Donald (predeceased), Delma, Melvin (Linda), Don (Florence), Jackie, Angie (Louie), Noel (Linda), and Toby (Pam). Dear Sister-in-law to Mary Jane (John), Rosalie (Burt), Dorothy (Jack, predeceased), Jonas (Peggy), Donald (Betty Ann) and the late Dave (Julia), Ken (Rita), Vincent (Maggie), Terri (Ray Sr.) and Helen (Woody). Beloved Grandma to; Santanna, Justin (Karlee), Tyson (Kim), Dylan, Noah, Zoey, Kate and G-ma to great-grandchildren, Rilynn, Hudson, Kayson, Jaxson and Memphis. Lou was a loving Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews; as well as a proud Godmother to many. She was a special caregiver to the boarders and foster children that she and George opened their hearts and home to. Lou had many valued lifetime friendships and enjoyed socializing at bingo, the hockey rink, the shopping mall or community events. She loved animals and in particular, her canine companions, Champ I and Champ II. She loved family and enjoyed hosting everyone around a simple cup of tea or a large family gathering, surrounded by children and babies. In her quiet time, Lou enjoyed music, bird watching, gardening, knitting, reading, puzzles, baking, cooking and crafts. She readily shared her passions with her friends and family through gifts of sweaters, preserves or Christmas gumdrop cake. She was a loyal Maple Leafs fan, however, her greatest pleasure was cheering on her grandchildren throughout their hockey season or at Little NHL. Lou worked hard throughout her whole life. She was employed in housekeeping at the Manitoulin Health Centre, in addition to cleaning camps and community buildings. She encouraged a strong, everyday work ethic and always persevered in spite of her health challenges. This included giving back to her community through volunteering at community events or donating her time and efforts as needed, even dressing as Mrs. Claus for the local Christmas parade. Lulubelle was recognized with a 2010 Union of Ontario Indians Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to our people and in particular, to her community of Whitefish River First Nation. Upon his passing, Lou deeply missed George and her family takes great comfort knowing that they are reunited and dancing together once again. Friends called at the Whitefish River First Nation Community Centre on Thursday, January 10 from 6 pm. Funeral Mass was on Saturday, January 12 at 1 pm at the St. Gabriel Lalement Church, Birch Island. Cremation followed with burial of ashes at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Manitoulin Health Centre Auxiliary or Whitefish River First Nation Minor Sports. Arrangements by Bourcier Funeral Home, Ltd, Espanola.