Frances Elizabeth MacMillan Garbutt
1956 – 2018

A retired nurse received her heavenly wings on Monday morning, May 14, 2018 in her long time residence in Thunder Bay.

Frances was born March 28, 1956, the daughter of the late Hayward and Elizabeth MacMillan of Donkin, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. As the only girl growing up with four brothers, she developed great survival skills and a keen sense of humour. Frances graduated from Donkin-Morien District High and went on to the University College of Cape Breton, where she earned a Bachelor of Community Studies Degree.

She spent some time working in a daycare in Glace Bay before returning for further studies at St. Rita's School of Nursing in Sydney. Armed with her RN Certificate, she travelled to Moose Factory in Northern Ontario where she developed the skills that made her an excellent nurse. Her love of nursing carried her to Thunder Bay where she enjoyed many years of dedicated service to the tiny babies in Neonatal Intensive Care.

Frances truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; enjoying summer days on the deck, having dinner with family and most of all, she just loved being social. Her thoughtfulness and kindness to all people, and her devotion and love for animals is a tribute to the beauty of her heart and soul. Frances always had an open door to all; her home and property served as a playground for many generations of children; she treated them all like gold. She was fortunate to have exceptional neighbours who made life special. Frances could always make anyone feel at ease and touched the lives of all who knew her. Her welcoming presence and good-natured jokes will be greatly missed.

Frances is survived in Thunder Bay by her husband, Wayne (Edward) Garbutt of Kapuskasing, Ontario; her son Alex Garbutt and his spouse, Annie Luu; her grandchildren, Jace and Sydney, that will deeply miss their Grandma as well as numerous friends and coworkers.

Frances is survived by her East Coast family: brothers Kevin (Lyn) of Halifax, NS and Donald (Joan) of Birch Grove, NS; sisters-in-law Carol MacMillan of Glace Bay, NS and Lorna MacMillan of Donkin, NS. She was predeceased by her brothers Alex and Billy. Missing their Aunt Frances are many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews spread across the country from Nova Scotia to Alberta and to the Northwest Territories.

Respecting Frances' wishes, there will not be a funeral service. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street, Thunder Bay.