Obituary of Frances Vivian Todd

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our mom, Frances Vivian Todd (Crossman) at the age of 99, just shy of her 100th birthday, in Halifax on September 17, 2021. She was born on Steeves Mountain, NB, to the late Hazen and Bertha (Steeves) Crossman. Frances, her husband Harry and their growing family moved to Spryfield in 1953. Widowed at 43 in 1965, Mom raised six children on her own. Mom put family above everything, cared for us with all her heart and loved us unconditionally. She poured all her love, strength, perseverance, patience, prayers and even her worry into us. Her dedication to us was never more apparent than in the forty-nine years spent meeting every need of our disabled sister Beverly at home. Mom fostered a close-knit family, teaching us by example how to truly “love one another”. Mom’s essence was love, exuded in her lovely smile, radiating her warmth to all. ‘Nan’ always followed with interest and encouragement the development and achievements of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She took great pride and pleasure in them as they remained an active part of her life. Nan had an amazing memory, always remembering birthdays and life events of all her loved ones. Nan passed on her good sense of humor, mingled into her “no-nonsense” approach to life. Her strong work-ethic with her refrain “get your work done” along with her many old sayings ring forever in our minds. Frances is survived by her devoted daughters, Barbara Flick (Ron); Edna Staples (Larry); Carol Burke (Tom); Shirley Brunt (Gordon); Gerry’s wife Carol; ten grandchildren, Todd Flick (Lisa); Terry Flick (Buffy); Amy Birchall (Jay); Lindsay Colby-Todd (Ryan); Mark Staples (Stephanie); Lynne Staples; Jason Burke (Colleen); Jeffrey Burke; Graham Brunt; Laura Brunt; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine Steeves of Moncton and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Milton Harry; daughter, Beverly; son, Gerry; brothers, Lawrence, Percy, Horace; sisters, Evelyn Eagles, Jessie Steeves. Most of Mom’s life was a difficult journey, yet nary a complaint was heard from her lips; only Psalm 23 each night before sleep, thanking the Great Shepherd of her soul. Mom taught us to choose “better not bitter” in life’s trials. We are so thankful that Barb and Ron invited Mom into their home for the last 14 years of her life. They made her life “better,” surrounding her with TLC where she thrived and enjoyed being a ‘mother’ until the end. Mom is enjoying a better country now in Heaven (Hebrews 11:16). Till we meet on the other shore, love you forever. Arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists. A family only memorial service will be held at Forest Hills Fellowship Baptist Church, Dartmouth on October 16, 2021, at 3 pm. The service can be viewed virtually on the Forest Hills Fellowship Baptist Church Facebook page. A private graveside service will be held on a later date at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.