It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frances Mortensen, who left this world peacefully on the morning of June 15, 2026 at the age of 86 years. Fran was born in Dickson, Alberta on April 30th, 1940 to Peter and Dorothy. She was the heart of the family. Fran was a wife, mother, sister, cousin, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She always greeted you with smile, a big hug and usually one of her funny little "Grandma-isms". Nearing the end, Fran, in her playful, carefree way, told us "If you don't know something for sure, just make it up and make it sound good". Fran met Don in early 1958 and were married that spring. Not long after they had their daughter, Carolynn, then Wayne, and a few years later, Loralee. She spent a lot of those years caring for Don after he got sick with kidney failure. Fran was so blessed to have such caring friends and family that stepped in to care for the kids when needed. She said many times how lucky she felt to have the people she did that helped out in many ways throughout those challenging years. It didn't matter what Fran was facing, she did it with faith and an unwavering positivity. Don and Fran moved off the farm in Tilley into Brooks in the early 1980's. They enjoyed their time in Brooks as they were so close to a lot of the family and friends. Their journey took them to Calgary in December 1996 where Don needed to be closer to the hospital as his kidney failure progressed. It was just before Christmas when they moved in, and everything was still packed up but Fran had to have a Christmas Tree. She found the decorations and got the tree set up just in time to host her big Christmas dinner. In 2006, Don and Fran's journey then took them to Medicine Hat so he could continue his dialysis treatment there. Sadly, Don passed away a few years later in January 2008. Fran then moved to Bassano. She settled in quickly and enjoyed living in with her daughter, Carolynn. She had lots of family and friends nearby which was always so important to her. You could pop by anytime for a visit and guaranteed she have a chocolate or sweet treat to offer. Fran was diagnosed with cancer in January 2016. She endured a very long, challenging few months during and after her treatment. But, she was determined to get healthy and back to travelling. That next year, she celebrated her clean bill of health with taking her entire family on a cruise. There were a lot of good memories made on that trip. Fran loved her garden, sitting out in the sunshine on her beautiful patio surrounded by her flowers, she loved ice cream treats, chocolate, and everything Christmas. Up until a few years ago, she still baked us all a Christmas Cookie tray with her favourite treats. In years prior, when she still in good health, she sure enjoyed travelling. She enjoyed many of her golden years with her travel partner and good friend, Jim Ion. They went on some pretty spectacular adventures that she never expected to experience. Fran was humble, kind, caring and sometimes a little worry wart. She always wanted to make sure everyone else was okay and taken care of. Fran passed away peacefully on the morning of June 15, 2026. Her last days and moments were surrounded by so much love. Her family gathered around her, sharing stories, favourite memories, looked through old photo albums, had some tears, and had a lot of laughs. She left an amazing legacy behind that lives throughout her family. We will forever cherish her memory and carry forward all that she taught us. Rest peacefully, Grams. You were so deeply loved, and you will be greatly missed. Fran is survived by her children, Carolynn, Wayne, Loralee (Scot); sister, Pat Duckett; grandchildren, Julie (Dustin), Suzy (Shaun) Jody, Kayla (Aidan), Casey and Mason (Katie); great grandchildren, Marley, Lochlyn, Gabrielle, Courtney, Emry and Macy and her much loved nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by her husband of almost 50 years, Donald Mortensen; parents, Peter and Dorothy Skau; Don's mother, Marie Mortensen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arthur and Kathy Skau, Kathy and Charlie Palmer, Bill Mortensen, Bob Duckett and grandson, James Mortensen. A private graveside service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery. Rev. John Theiss officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 2:00 PM from Bassano Pioneer Damsiter Drop In Centre, 317 – 2nd Avenue, Bassano, Alberta. In memory of Fran, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta   T2E 2P5.