Fran Lavelle - 1939-2005

It is with profound sadness that I notify the Region of a tragic fatal car accident involving a member of Orangeville Chorus. Fran Lavelle, one of our great Basses, died on January 24, 2005, as a result of a single car accident on winter weather roads.

Fran was a compassionate, caring individual who thoroughly enjoyed chorus life. She joined with the “Class Of 2000” and in her time with Orangeville Chorus, she was a most dedicated member. She served on the Board of Directors, most recently as the Public Relations Chairman, and she showed everyone she met her wonderful smile and her great enthusiasm. She took part willingly in most chorus activities but was forever writing ‘thank you notes’ to others in the chorus for their contributions!

She wore all her chorus costumes with class, and had a great collection of Sweet Adeline jewellery, T-shirts, vests, scarves etc., that identified her as part of this great organization, showed her love of the music, her joy in belonging and created a bond with the chorus members, all of whom she called friends. She enjoyed several trips to International Convention, shopped Harmony Bazaar like a pro, and had recently become a member of a quartet, to further her knowledge and love of this craft.    She can best be summed up, in the way Orangeville Chorus members viewed her on their 2003 trip to Paris, France….she had a real “joie de vivre” and she will be sadly missed.

Fran’s family meant everything to her, and she leaves behind her husband Michael, one son, three daughters, and several grandchildren. Most of Orangeville Chorus attended her Funeral Mass and Celebration of her life and heard many wonderful tributes to her from family members. We were also privileged to hear Michael Burgess, a family friend, pay tribute to her with beautiful music. He sang “Amazing Grace”, “Ave Maria”, “On Eagles Wings”, and the touching song from Les Misérables –  “Bring Him Home”, which he personalized to “Bring Her Home”.

We know that Fran is now in her Heavenly Home and has joined the Angel Choir’s Bass section.