It is with sadness that we share the passing of Francine Alexia (nee Rahn) (Remus) Smith, originally from Pembroke. She passed away in her 101st year on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after a brief respiratory issue at Maple Health Centre in Vaughan, Ontario, where she had been a resident for several years. Much loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, she will be missed by those who survive her: daughter Marilyn Remus Dadswell Bardeau, grandchildren Geoffrey Lee-Dadswell of Nova Scotia, Neil Remus, Lee Remus Perrotta, Kelly Williamson, Lisa Robertson and Jason Murray of Ontario. Nieces and nephews Alexander Rahn, Ann Kelo, Betty Leach, David Miller, Jim Miller, Margo Remus Schwantz, Vicky Remus Wetmore, Peter Remus, and Brent Wakeling mourn her loss. She was predeceased by her husband Elmer Remus in 1966, husband Maurice Smith in 1980, son Dennis Remus in 2024; siblings Alex Rahn, Beryl Rahn Bell, Betty Rahn Miller and Franklin Rahn. Francine was the daughter of Frank Rahn and Louise Brandstadt. She lived in Pembroke surrounded by family and friends until 1999, when she moved to the Toronto area to be close to her daughter Marilyn and son Dennis. Her work in accounting with The Steel Equipment Company and several small private companies, her involvement in local activities, and her outgoing pleasing personality led to a wide circle of friends, most of whom she has outlived.
The family is grateful to the fine loving care she received in retirement at Maple Health Centre, whose staff made her comfortable in her last years and loved to spoil her with small acts of kindness and generosity of spirit, which may have been among the factors that contributed to her longevity.
Memorial Visitation will be held at the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, 141 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., followed by interment in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Canadian Institute for the Blind or the Canadian Wildlife Federation are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home.
