FRANCIS: IVY DORIS (STEPHENSON) (MELBOURNE)
Our beautiful Ivy whom we love so dearly has passed on to the other side where she will find all those she outlived and loved waiting. She leaves behind one sister, Alice (Rod) and many wonderful, loving nieces and nephews: Lynn (Dave), Terry (Deborah), Allen (Cheryle), Andrea (Evan), Cate (Steve), Rod (Jane), Sandra (Phil), Marilyn (Gary), Robert (Cathy), Stephen (Trisha), Albert (Cassy), and Raymond, as well as three wonderful grandsons, Brent (Martha), Scott, and Jim Tom and several great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her beloved husbands Stan Melbourne and Jim Francis, her brother Albert, niece Julia, and four sisters: Marie, Mabel, Gwen, and Florrie.

In the early morning hours of Monday, June 30, 2025 in Niagara Falls, the matriarch of our family found her wings and continued her journey back to Tavistock to be with her home community forever. Our Ivy Francis (Melbourne/Stephenson) was born in England nearly 103 years ago to parents Henry and Lillian Stephenson (Edwards). She brought us laughter, joy, teachings and a lifetime of unconditional love. She was a gift to each and everyone in her family and will be cherished in our hearts forever.

Mrs. Ivy Francis was ahead of her time when she held a career as an insurance broker while taking on the role of Justice of the Peace in the small town of Tavistock, Ontario. She served her community in this role for 16 years. Ivy was also a member of the Eastern Star and was a past district deputy grand matron in 1989-1990. Her life revolved around her church, Grace United, where she was an active member in Tavistock. As a Sunday school teacher, past president of the UCW and later treasurer her propensity for selflessness was unmatched.

Her very dear friend Diane Yantzi, was her anchor and life line in her later years. Ivy shared stories of the war and they shared an endearing friendship. Diane visited Ivy just days before her passing where they shared memories, peonies and a few timbits, which Ivy insisted on. Ivy cherished her time with Diane and all who visited her while living in Niagara.

Ivy and Jim Francis travelled extensively in the later years and always enjoyed their trips to St. Petersburg, Florida. Ivy was very well respected in her community and abroad and was loved dearly by her large extended family. She will be sorely missed with a legacy that will live in our hearts forever.

Thank you to the staff of Millennium Trail in Niagara Falls for their kindness and care for Ivy, she loved each of you.

Visitation will be at Grace United Church Thursday July 3, 2025 from 11–1 with a celebration of life service at 1:30 followed by interment adjacent to Grace United where she will rest with her first husband Stan Melbourne. Fellowship will follow with a light lunch.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace United Church would be greatly appreciated. Personal condolences can be posted at www.francisfh.ca.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Glendinning Funeral Home.