Frances Munro Tanner
Passed away quickly and quietly in the early hours of Saturday, November 8, 2025. Frances known to most as Fran was 77 years of age. Beloved mother to her daughter Heather Kerr (Don) and devoted Grammy to Maddie.
Fran was born to Robert and Elinor Munro on December 6, 1947. She was the eldest of 5 raised on Ornumbrook Farm on the farmlands of Simcoe County. Fran is survived by her brothers Dave (Dinie), Mark (Bonnie) and her sister Heather. She was pre-deceased by her brother Doug.
In earlier years Fran helped with the household duties that came along with life on a farm. Later she would go on to show cattle with her brothers in the 4H Club and throw her hat in the Stayner Dairy Princess contest
Fran followed in Grandma’s footsteps leading her to a career in education. She started her first teaching position at the young age of 18. From there, her career path brought her to Elmvale where she taught and settled into the community alongside her best friend Doris until she met her retirement. I had the honors of having my Mom teach me Social Studies when I was in grade two. She always laughed and said, “it was not always the easiest hour of her day!”
Mom was always leading the way for me to chase my dreams early on from sleeping in treehouses, pet adoptions and trailing me across Ontario cheering me on as I competed in the provincial Quarter Horse Circuit. She was always up for a good adventure and not many people can say their mother flew hot air balloons! At this time, my teenager self was not super excited to wake in the wee hours to sit in the back of a pick-up truck for hours chasing her around. We came to adopt her hobby as a family and what amazing stories and photos I have in my memory bank now.
Fran moved to Callander in her retirement upon the arrival of her only grandchild Maddie. She did not want to miss out on any of the monumental moments watching her grow into the young lady she is today. Memory Tree Park in Callander will hold a special spot for Grammy to be remembered by her “Callander Girls” overlooking her favorite lighthouse on Callander Bay.
Fran adopted Mattawa has her home for the last 9 years where she was welcomed and immersed herself in the local community. Special thank you to the Dr. Williams and the Staff at Mattawa Hospital for all your dedication and commitment to Mom.
As per her wishes she will return to Stayner Union Cemetery in the spring, for a graveside service where she will be laid to rest among family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mattawa chapter of Meals on Wheels (Mattawa Hospital) would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Basic Cremation Services.
