Frances Culliton

Frances Anne Culliton (nee Graf) of Stratford, Ontario, passed away peacefully, on October 12, 2016, surrounded by her family. Fran was born on July 26, 1931, the daughter of Frank and Jean Graf of Walkerton, Ontario. Fran is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Keith A. Culliton. Beloved Mother of seven children and caring grandmother to fifteen grandchildren: Catherine and husband, Douglas Ruby (Sarah and Hilary); Patricia (Warren and Aaron Ehgoetz); Mike and wife, Anna (Laura, Erica, Nicola, Kyle); Gerald and wife, Janet (Grace and Ruth-Anne); Joan; Mary and husband, Rick Wesche (Kate and Eric); and Tim (Connor, Carter and Crosby). Fran will be sadly missed by her sister, Joan Hundt, of Walkerton. She is predeceased by a brother, Gerald, who died in infancy. Fran, a registered nurse, graduated as the Gold Medalist in 1952, from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, in Kitchener, Ontario. Upon graduation, she worked as the plant nurse at Kroehler Furniture in Stratford. Fran was a certified Master Gardener, an accredited Ontario flower show judge and instructor of floral décor at the Stratford Chef School. Faith was very important to Fran. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church as past President of the Parish Council, a life member of the Catholic Women’s League, and a committed volunteer. Fran believed in contributing to her community. She held leadership positions in several organizations serving as Board President of Stratford L’Arche, Board member of the Stratford Children’s Aid Society and member of the Stratford Parks Board. Fran was named a Paul Harris Fellow, by the Rotary Club of Stratford. Fran was a talented seamstress, gardener and welcoming hostess. She learned to speak conversational French and enjoyed travelling extensively with Keith, the love of her life. Fran lives on in the hearts of many. Friends and relatives may call at the James A. Rutherford funeral home, 156 Albert St., Stratford, on Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m., with Parish prayers at 5:45 p.m. The Celebration of Life Mass will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 50 Well St., Stratford, on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with the interment to follow at Stratford Avondale Cemetery. Everyone is invited to a reception to be held at the Festival Inn, 1144 Ontario St., Stratford, following the interment. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the VON Perth-Huron Branch Adult Day Program or to L’Arche Stratford through the funeral home by calling 519-271-5062. In Fran’s memory, a Book of Memories is online at www.jarfh.com