Obituary of Jeannie Francoeur

Jean Olivia Francoeur

(October 13, 1955 - August 8, 2021)

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Jeannie Olivia Balfour on August 8, 2021, at the age of 65. Jeannie was a bright light in the world and the Camrose community; an amazing wife, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. 

 Jeannie was born on October 13, 1955, in Provost, Alberta to Olivia and David Balfour. The youngest in a family of three, Jeannie continued to spend time with her grandparents on the farm when her family moved to Camrose, AB in 1960, a place she remembered fondly. She lived a normal childhood in Camrose, turning into a bit of a wild child in her teenage years. She met Brian Francoeur in 1967 through her brother Ken, and they married on October 9, 1976.

Jeannie started working at Crawford’s West as a high school student, where she spent her entire career while also juggling her work at Francoeur’s Cleaners. She was hard-working and always brought fun into the workplace – and everywhere else she went. 

Jeannie had a zest for life. She was an avid golfer, spending her summers at the Camrose Golf Club and winters in Buckeye, Arizona with Brian, friends, and family. She participated in Ladies’ Leagues, tournaments, and went on many golf trips over the years. While off the golf course, she spent her time walking, shopping, transforming her Camrose and Buckeye homes into beautiful spaces, travelling, and drinking Michelob Ultra (preferably on a patio, wearing a skort, with some Hawkins Cheezies or shell-on peanuts).

Jeannie was an amazing hostess, and the undeniable Christmas Queen. She carried on family traditions and created new ones. All the best memories are at Jeannie’s house, around the kitchen, on the deck in the summertime, or around the wood burning fireplace in the living room, surrounded by her beautiful Christmas decorating and all the people she loved so much. Jeannie held everyone together like glue, providing incredible care to her mother Olivia, being a best friend to her sister Colleen, and holding the title of “World’s Best Auntie” to her girls Casey and Kelsea. 

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Brian; siblings Ken (Lisa) Balfour and Colleen Balfour; Jeannie’s special nieces Casey and Kelsea (Ryan); brothers-in-law Raymond (Darlene) and Greg; numerous other nieces and nephews; and of course, the long list of amazing friends she made wherever she went.  
Jeannie was predeceased by her parents David and Olivia Balfour. 
 

A Celebration of Life was held at 11:00 AM August 16, 2021 from the CityLights Church, 4920 48 Street Camrose.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Jeannie's memory may be made to Centra Cam or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.