DARBY, Frances Darby

Passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Frances Darby (nee Cliche) of Pembroke, loving life partner of Bill Premo. Beloved mother of Molly Darby, Ranson Darby (Amber), Holly Patenaude (John), and Crystal Bruce (Daniel). Cherished grandmother of Chad, Cory, and Tanner; Austin; William, Phillip, Jillian, and Millie; and Isla; as well as seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Daughter of the late Arthur and Regina Cliche (nee Mathieu), and dear sister of Carol-Ann Corriveau. Predeceased by her brother Raymond Cliche and by her sisters Junetta Antler, Gladys Duhaime, Doreen Chambers, and Ila Godin. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Frances will be remembered as a deeply caring woman who gave far more than she ever took. She had a special way with children and lovingly cared for her own children and grandchildren, as well as her nieces and nephews, the children of her nieces and nephews, and even their children. She also cared for many of the children who grew up on Cecil Street, where her home was a place of guidance, safety, and love. Known to her grandchildren and the neighbourhood children as “Jammer,” this affectionate name stayed with her over the years, and those children, now adults, still lovingly called her Jammer.

The care she poured into her nieces and nephews left a lasting imprint, so much so that as they grew into adults, they returned that same love by helping to care for her in her later years. Frances was fiercely independent and stubborn in the very best way: strong-willed, determined, and not one to ask for help, even if she needed it. While this sometimes tested the patience of those who loved her, it was also a reflection of her strength and pride. Frances much preferred caring for others and was far less interested in being fussed over herself.
One of Frances’s greatest expressions of care was through food. She had a remarkable ability to make a lot from very little and believed no one should ever go hungry. If you visited Frances, one of the first questions she would ask was, “Have you eaten?” She was known for cooking meals, sharing plates, and quietly making sure anyone in need was fed.

Frances also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved playing cards, bingo, and especially enjoyed sharing treats, laughter, and conversation with friends during games. A woman of deep faith, Frances was a devoted Catholic who attended church faithfully and believed strongly in the power of prayer. She was often known as the first person to pray for someone in need and would lovingly tell family and friends that she would “say a prayer” or “light a candle” for them.

Respecting Frances’s wishes, a private celebration of her life will be held at a later date, with interment in St. Columba’s Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Neville Funeral Home, Pembroke. As an expression of sympathy, donations to St. Joseph’s Food Bank would be appreciated in lieu of flowers, reflecting Frances’s lifelong desire to make sure others were cared for and well fed. Online condolences and donations are available at www.nevillefuneralhome.ca.

Interment