A beautiful eulogy was delivered by Fran’s son-in- law Stephen York.
Stephen said it was an honor to deliver the eulogy on behalf of the family to remember Fran, a loving wife, sister, mother, mother in-law, grandmother and great grandmother.
“Fran Lowe was born in Rochester to Charles and Laura Cameron in 1933. The family moved to Benalla when Charles gained employment with the SEC in 1935, welcoming another beautiful daughter Marion in 1938.
“Fran enjoyed school excelling in art, english, science and sport with socializing also playing an important part. Following school, Fran worked at the telephone exchange in Benalla and at the chemist, but the shift work impacted on weekend tennis. Bookkeeping and typing at the SEC freed up the weekends for playing basketball, competing in athletics carnivals and tennis tournaments.
“Fran met her love match with the wonderful Jack McCurdy and they were engaged on October 6, 1954, with Fran’s 21st held the next month. Jack and Fran were then married on the August 6, 1955, with her special little sister as bridesmaid and John Houghton as best man.
“They were absolutely the golden couple, widely admired throughout the district for all that they were. Fran settled into every aspect of busy farming life at Savernake, always holding card nights and dinner parties as well as tennis on Saturdays. At her first country week at Kooyong, Jack’s mixed doubles advice to Fran was; “just get up on the net, don’t swing at anything, and I’ll do the rest”.
“Fran and Jack welcomed five beautiful children. Sharon in December 1956, Bronwyn in July 1958, John in May 1960, Megan in January 1962, and Ian in October 1965. In December 1965, tragedy struck with the sudden and devastating loss of Fran’s dad, and her beloved Jack. Fran managed everything with dignity, along with the loving support of her mother, Marion and Jack’s parents Howard and Sarah.
“Fran then leased the farm, bought a silver Ford V8 station wagon, and had Jim Donaghey build a home designed around the children at 44 Tom Street. Fran drove that car and lived in that home for the rest of her life.
“Life at Tom Street was busy, the children were attending school and playing every sport on offer, including John starting junior football at age 7. The bachelor footy coach had the courage to ask Fran to a dance, she eventually said yes, his name was Tom Lowe. They were married in this very church on the 29th of July 1970. Fran’s extended family grew in abundance as she became very close with Tom’s seven siblings.
“The family were excited to welcome Erin in November 1971, and Scott in February 1974. The two little extras were spoilt with attention by the McCurdy children.
“Life at Tom Street was wonderful with a house full of people, always having many friends over for meals and weekends.”
Stephen said the cake tins were never empty at Tom Street.
“We were all so spoilt with food, drop ins couldn’t get through the front door without being asked if they could stay for lunch, or dinner, and the scones were often in the oven before you sat down.
“Fran had so much love for her family and friends. She was always happy to see you, it didn’t need to be a special occasion. Every visit was so important to Fran, often saying; “it’s always Christmas when you’re here”.
“Fran always found the time to play tennis, golf, tend to her colorful garden, volunteer and return to her love of art.
“She loved painting and drawing and was very talented, a beautiful artist and Life Member of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Artists Association, often awarded best in exhibition.
“Fran shared her enjoyment of art with others through the Pioneer Museum mural, RSL ‘mates’ painting and the portrait of her dear friend Dr Frank Lyons at the Hospital to name only a few. So many people have Fran’s artwork on their walls or have been the recipient of a sneaky portrait completed while they weren’t watching, including strangers on trams.
“Tom and Fran, hand in hand were like celebrities if you went out for a meal with them at Burkes, the Golf Club, RSL or a walk down Belmore Street. A stop at every single table because everyone wanted to say hello to Tom and Fran, there was barely a person they did not know. We always felt so proud when Fran would introduce us saying who we were. We will ride on her coat tails forever.
“She loved all her children and their partners with all her heart, also the grandchildren and great grandchildren. She often said that she married the two loveliest men on earth, and she felt very lucky to be able to say that.
“Anyone could look at Tom and see that he truly believed he was the luckiest man in the world to be always holding Fran’s hand. We are so proud to have seen the love you held for each other.
“We love you a little bit, Fran. A little bit too much!
Ten years ago, Fran documented her first fifty years in letters penned to the children. To borrow Fran’s closing words from her memoir,
“It might be a good idea to finish this now, as everyone knows what is going on anyway except me… and perhaps Tom – how I love that man.”
Fran passed away peacefully at the Yarrawonga Hospital on June 29.
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