Frances Ida Adams 1927- 2026

The family is very sad to announce that Frances passed away peacefully on February 5th at the age

of 98. After a long life she was ready to leave us and longed to be reunited with her beloved husband. She had become so very tired and missed the independence that she had fought so hard to keep.

Devoted wife of James (Jim) Adams (deceased), loving mother of Judy Adams, Steven Mark

Adams, (Carrie), caring Grandma of Jason, Lindsey, Amber, Kyle and Cameron and proud Great Grandma of Liam, Paige, Kaylee, James, Everly and Beau. Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Bessie Jones, brothers Ken Jones and Joseph Jones and sister Shirley Giles with whom she maintained close ties through the years. She leaves so many cherished memories for all of us and will be dearly missed.

Born in Orillia, Frances lived most of her life in the Scarborough and Beach areas of Toronto. She returned to Orillia in the cold winter of 1994, accompanied by her husband Jim, son Steven Mark and daughter-in-law Carrie, following the earlier move to Orillia by daughter Judy and grand-daughter Amber. She was very proud of her Orillia roots where her father Joseph Jones had worked as a baker in a shop on Mississaga Street and several of her aunts still resided at the homestead on Nottawasaga Street.

As most women of her generation, Frances lived through the depression and World War II. It was not always an easy life. Her husband Jim fought with the Queens Own Rifles. She was also very proud of his legacy by the Naval service of her son Steven Mark and grandson Jason.

Frances married Jim (the love of her life whom she had known since childhood) when he returned from service overseas. She was a dedicated stay at home Mom and was also a talented “handy-woman” who maintained her own tool room (“Mrs. Fix-it”). She lived independently for twenty-five years after her husband’s passing until she reluctantly moved to retirement living at 94.

Very proud of her Irish heritage, at 78 she was able to visit the village of her ancestors, exploring and trudging through ancient churchyards. She cherished her frequent travels to Nova Scotia and later a favourite, Newfoundland. She loved the roaring ocean, rugged coast and the wind in her hair. Fall was her favourite time of year and she looked forward to annual country drives to enjoy the beautiful colours. A traveler and adventurer at heart who never minded getting lost on an excursion, that was part of the fun.

Throughout her life, she was always there for us and happy to help. A source of unconditional love. She spent many of her later years nursing her very ill husband, insisting on keeping him at home. She then carried on in a caring role, providing support for several of her aunts, until they passed away.

Determination, strength, independence and incredible resilience continued to the end of her days. Always giving to others, she found it hard to accept help.

So for the family, it felt very fitting that she was given such tender compassionate care in her final weeks by the helpers at Granite Ridge Retirement Lodge in Gravenhurst, where she resided over the last year, when ultimately, needed assisted living. The family is very grateful and was so comforted knowing that she was in the best hands possible.

We would also like to acknowledge staff and friends at Leacock Retirement Lodge who were very kind and we know also so very fond of her during her several years there. She always claimed that she was not a people person and happy with her books and own company, but as anyone who knew her could attest, she enjoyed the people around her and always kept them laughing with her sense of humour, jokes and unique “expressions” (that she claimed her father taught her).

Celebration of life to take place at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St., N., Orillia, on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 2 - 4 pm.

If desired, donations could be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Arthritis Society Canada.