Althia “Vilma” Francois

My heartfelt condolences to Dave and his family. Dave your Mother was a gentle spirited and kind person. Each interaction I had with her left me thinking what a lovely person she was. She was very proud of you and your accomplishments, and her generosity of spirit extended to your friends as well. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I had the privilege of having Mrs. Francois as a teacher at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School. She was a beautiful person; kind-hearted, patient beyond measure, funny and always happy to answer questions or offer guidance. Thinking of her loved ones as they say goodbye to this amazing woman.

Vilma Francois (Mrs. Francois) was my favourite teacher. I walked into her accounting class in grade 10 (1996) and there she was. Such a soft spoken, gentle teacher. The class had no choice but to be quite if they wanted to hear her. She helped foster my passion for accounting and business. It became my major through secondary and post secondary. She consistently encouraged her students to be the best versions of themselves. She expected you to bring that best version into her classroom.
It wasn’t until my senior year, when I went to a Canadian Linen Christmas party, that I discovered that Mrs. Francois and Calvin (the general office manager at Canadian Linen) were connected. My dad worked in management in the office with Calvin for many years. Turns out, my parents had a built in spy for anything I was doing at Laurier. I hope my parents got all good information from Mrs. Francois.
Many years later, I came back to work at Laurier (2013) as office staff. Thanks to Liz Akano, Mrs. Francois was often back in Ramland as a supply teacher. Still soft spoken and equally gentle. She would regularly stop by my desk to check in with me and say hello. She continued to inspire me by how much she gave of herself to help out anyplace she could through work and volunteerism.
Cheers, to my favourite teacher, Mrs. Francois. You will be remembered fondly by myself and every heart you touched.
May peace be with you.
Liz Webster

When Vilma came to Oakridge as Head of Business, she brought with her a stabilizing professionalism and gentle spirit that quickly impacted on both students and staff. Her personable demeanour, easy smile and willingness to share her journey made her a good friend over the years we taught together. Though my retirement offered fewer opportunities to interact, I hold fond memories of a special colleague and a special friend.

It is with sadness I learned of your Mother’s passing. I had the privilege of teaching with her for a number of years at Oakridge SS. May she rest in peace.
Edgar Hooper.

Our heartfelt sorrow on the death of beloved Vilma. She was a unique person – soft spoken, calm of spirit, a gentle but firm manner, thoughtful, willing and always with a smile. Even though our paths didn’t often cross, Vilma left a lasting impression when we met. I will cherish the many e-mails we shared over the years. A beautiful soul has gone to her rest. May she rest in peace in the loving arms of her Savior.

My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs Francois. I had the privilege of meeting her when I was a student and she was teaching Business at G.A. Wheable S.S. Decades later when our paths crossed again through her membership with the Congress of Black Women, London Chapter, she was still the same lovely person. Sleep in Peace.

When I first met Vilma while working on the Board of Educate The Children, I was drawn to her optimistic nature and genuine care for others. Sometimes a candle that shines so brightly, burns out sooner than we’d like. Vilma was a warm light on earth that is now a star angel in the heavens. May she rest in peace, and may her family take comfort in her love and memory.