Frances PHIPPS

PHIPPS, Frances M. (nee Coolin)
1926 - 2013
Peacefully and surrounded by loving family in New Glasgow, PEI in her 87th year. Fran was predeceased by her husband, Welland (Weldy) Phipps in 1996, infant son (1949) and son's David Phipps (1997) and Robert Phipps (1988). Survived by children Janet Cassidy of Surrey, BC; Wendy Read and Brenda Phipps of Calgary, AB; Terri Lucier (Shawn) and Jim Phipps (Leslie Johnson) of Cochrane, AB; and Debi Stevenson (Robin) of New Glasgow, PEI along with many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren. Fran is also survived by siblings Barbara Boccinfuso of Calgary, AB; Eve Armstrong of Ottawa, ON and Michael Coolin in Ontario. Wife of legendary arctic pilot and aviation pioneer Weldy Phipps, Fran led a full and adventurous life. Born in Three Rivers, Quebec, Fran spent her childhood in Toronto and St. Catherines, ON eventually settling in Ottawa. In 1946 she met and married Weldy and together they had nine children. In 1962, they formed Atlas Aviation in Resolute Bay, NWT. At that time Atlas Aviation was the most northerly air service in Canada serving many communities of the high artic. On April 5, 1971 Fran was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the first woman to set foot on the North Pole. Fran and Weldy retired in 1972 and spent the following 22 years living their dream sailing between their home bases in PEI, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Following Weldy's death in 1996, Fran started a new adventure heading West to Cochrane, Alberta and in her 75th year purchased a motor home touring the US and Canada extensively. A remarkable and courageous spirit Fran was a legend in her own right and an inspiration to her family and friends. Our mom, grandma, "nanny", sister, aunt and friend will be dearly missed. Friends are invited to visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 150 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa at Richmond Rd., Sunday 2-5 pm. Funeral Service will be
held in the Chapel on Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11 a.m. Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family. mcgarryfamily.ca.