Vanessa Joelle Francis

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and auntie, Vanessa Francis, on October 17, 2025, at the age of 57.

Vanessa leaves to mourn her husband, Robert Francis; her children, Mitchell, Amy (Evan), Aislinn, Lucas (Leah), Damien (Rayden); her grandchildren, Akeelah, Aisha, Angel, Evan Jr., Lerayah, Emmitt, and Shine; her siblings, Karl, Noella, Joseph, Michelle, Cory, Dennis, Germaine, Anita, and Holly; and her niece, whom she took as one of her daughters, Theresa.

Vanessa was predeceased by her parents, Noel Joseph and Marlene Peters; grandparents Herbie and Violet Peters, and George and Grace Daniels; her baby brother Joseph; her sister Pamela Peters; granddaughter Emmi Rae; and her nieces Katelyn Fontaine, Mylee-Day, Ashley Longclaws, and her nephew Johnny Peters.

Vanessa was a very kind, loving person who had a big heart. Even when she had little, she gave a lot. Vanessa met her soulmate when she was 17 years old; the day she met Robert was the day she found her first and only love, her best friend, and her partner for life.

Vanessa was the best mother to her five children and the best grandmother to her eight grandchildren. She and Robert spoiled their grandchildren. They were everything to her.

Vanessa selflessly opened her heart and home for many years, nurturing and loving many of her beloved nieces and nephews, whom she helped raise throughout the years. She adored her nieces and nephews.

Vanessa embarked on her educational journey at Red River community college, where she earned her ECE diploma. After receiving her diploma, she dedicated many years to nurturing young minds at Long Plain Mikinaak Daycare, loving countless children along the way. She cherished every moment with her daycare baby’s. Additionally, she spent years exceling as the Bingo Manager for Arrowhead Development Corporation, fostering a sense of community and joy.

The family would like to thank St. Boniface Hospital ICU unit and staff for the care they provided her, and the St. Boniface dialysis unit where she had monthly appointments for many years. Also, her Aunties Ivy, Sandra, and Jackie; Long Plain Chief & Council; everyone who visited during this difficult time. Firekeepers, food preparers and Prairie Rock Drum group, Colin James, Jeff and McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel and Cheryl Joan Meeches. All family, friends, and relatives who helped and offered donations and food. Chuggy Lamirande and public works for supplying and delivering the firewood.

Robert and his children would like to extend a profoundly heartfelt thank you to express their deepest gratitude to Vanessa’s sisters for their invaluable support during her hospital stay.

Wake will take place at Keeshkeemaquah Conference Centre, Long Plain 6B on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 beginning at 4:00 pm. Feast and Traditional Service will be held at Keeshkeemaquah Conference Centre on Thursday October 23, 2025 at noon. Burial will follow at the Peters' Resting Place.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com