Frances Ivy MCWILLIAMS

MCWILLIAMS, Frances Ivy (nee Albertson)
Passed away at her home in Oakville with family at her side Monday afternoon, August 21st, 2006. Loving mother of Brian, Susan, Darcy and adoring Nana to Andrew, Shae and Marlow. Will be sorely missed by former husband and life long confidant, Peter K. McWilliams, Q.C. Daughter of Harold and Ivy (nee Joyes) Albertson. Her mother was a war bride from Barnes Green, Surrey, U.K. Her father served in the WWI Canadian expeditionary force. In death, Frances joins her parents and four of her six siblings. She is survived by her sister, Ruby Barber, and brother, Berkley. Frances is a prime example of what Robertson Davies wrote, 'is bred in the bone will out in the flesh'. Her qualities so much admired she inherited from her ancestors. Her love of travel and ability to chart uncertain waters were inherited from her forefather, Nicholas Albertson, who with his two brothers sailed their own boat from Amsterdam across the Atlantic Ocean to New Jersey in 1723. Her loyalty to family and friends was endowed by her Loyalist forefather who came to Canada after the American Revolution to settle in the Township of Trafalgar (now Oakville) in 1800's where her ancestors remained for more than 150 years and where Frances set up her home and raised her family. Her bravery and courage in battling cancer continued the spirit of her ancestor who fought along side General Brock at Queenston Heights in the War of 1812 and like that Canadian hero she too was felled. Her flare and sense of drama in life came by her forefather who led the raid and set the Rebel ship, the Caroline, aflame to crash over Niagara Falls in the Rebellion of 1837. Frances' pioneering spirit, zest for life and wry humour will be remembered by all who knew her. Her Memorial Service will be held at Munn's United Church on 9 Dundas St. East at 6th Line in Oakville on Thursday, September 14th, 2006 at 1 p.m. with reception to follow.