Obituary of Laura Viola Frankland

Frankland, Laura Viola (Nee Mills)

In sure and certain hope of thy resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, even through our profound sorrow, we announce that Mrs. Laura Frankland, of White Head Island, New Brunswick, departed this mortal life on the Grand Manan ferry enroute to the Saint John Regional Hospital on Friday, 30 June 2023, at the age of 92.

Born in Riceville NB, 23 November 1930, she was the eldest child and only daughter of the late Spafford and Ethel (nee. Ritchie) Mills. Working her way through Teacher's College, she taught in various parts of New Brunswick, including Cumberland Point and New Denmark, and in Fort Chambly, Quebec. It was her teaching career that brought her to White Head Island, where she met, and eventually married, Merritt Frankland, on 14 August 1957.

Laura was-a woman of quiet, yet profound and unabashed faith, and instilled the same into her two sons.  She was a devoted member of the White Head Baptist Church, serving the Lord in various capacities, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and Ladies' Bible Class, working in DVBS, 'and helping in AWANA Clubs. She was well known for her handicrafts and artistic work, and especially famous for her vast collection of hats, which she always wore to church.

She was also renowned for her meticulously decorated cookies for special occasions, holidays, and bake sales. She was an avid reader, especially of detective stories, and also enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, as well as her crafting-especially her cherished hand-made Christmas cards.

Besides her parents, Laura was predeceased by her devoted husband of 46 years,' Merritt (2003 ); brothers Ellery (1971) and Stuart (2023); sisters-in-law Lillian Brown, Zelda Banks, and Roberta Walker; and life-long friend Esther (Cummings) Porter. She is survived by her two sons, the Rev’d Kevin (Rev’d Capt. Mellissa), Frankland of Gaspe QC and Reed (April) Frankland of White Head; grandchildren Allyssa (Wesley Cook), Brandon, and Caitlin; sister-in-law Lucille Mills and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and several cousins.

The family wishes to express. our deepest heartfelt gratitude to all the family members, friends, and members of our church family who have done so much for Mum ( and Dad) over the years. May your love and kindness not go unrewarded. Special thanks also to the dedicated staff of the Grand Manan Nursing Home for their amazing care and attention, and for appreciating Mum’s peculiar sense of humour. She spoke well of you all.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 5, 2023 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the White Head Baptist Church (419 White Head Rd, White Head, NB E5G 2K1), Funeral Service to be held the following day Thursday July 6, 2023 at 2:15 PM also from White Head Baptist Church. Pastor Michael Shaw officiating, with interment to follow at the White Head Cemetery.

Online condolences to the family and donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of ones choice can be made at www.humphreysfh.com.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of the Phillip Ells Jr. Memorial Funeral Center a service of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 – 466 – 3110)

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house

of the LORD for ever (Psalm 23:6)."