Ifeyironwa Francisca Smith

Francisca arrived in our lives as a neighbour and very quickly became our friend. We shared our love of God, our passion for gardening and love for our children. She has now gone to her spiritual home and has left us eleven years of cherished, happy memories of shared experiences in our adopted country. She will be sadly missed but always remembered.

Francisca was a very special person: a devoted mother and wife, an accomplished professional, a cheery faithful friend, a citizen of the world. Strong, of quick wit and keen intellect, with a ready twinkle in her eye, courageous, kind and compassionate. I feel privileged to have known her. And very grateful that she and her wonderful family have been part of our church family since they arrived in Ottawa.

All of us that knew Franca will sorely miss her and wish we'd made the most of her now lost presence. May her gentle soul rest in peace. May her closest family have the strength to bear this painful, unexpected and irreparable loss.

Franca all we can say is rest in perfect peace. We sure miss you.

My very dear friend Francisca, an extraordinary woman who I was so lucky to meet one day on a very casual occasion and we were in contact and became friends ever since that day by the mailbox in the neighborhood. I can never forget what we both said. After that day, it was almost a duty in my mind to get you a calendar for your kitchen every year. Time went by and we became good friends. I always admired your firm personality and that great faith in God. You had a very special relationship with God and many times we spoke about faith "we should not ask God what we want but what He wants.... I do what I can and let God do the rest" expressions like this came from you. There is no doubt in my heart that you had a unique relationship with Him.

The last day we saw each other on that happy occasion, I think that the Lord had chosen that moment to take you from us and bring you to eternal glory. You were so happy that day and I am so happy I saw you that day and said Goodbye to you.

I thank God for opportunity to be your friend, and, as you told me one day, a family, and to share with you very happy moments like Niki's graduation party and your grandchildren's baby shower. You will be in my heart always. You are now in the Eternal Glory.

Nike, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the service today but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. May the special memories you have of the good times and the fun times that made you laugh help you get through this very sad time. The Smith family now has a special guardian angel to watch over them.

Dear Franca
I’m still struggling with the news of your untimely passing. You left us too soon. However I trust that God knows best. I will forever remember your gentle nature. You and your darling husband are two of a kind. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity especially during my visit to Rome in 2005 and at other meetings at our mutual friend’s home will always remain engraved in my heart. I thank God for the time I spent in your home. The very best of times!!! You are both blessings to others and I forever remain grateful for being a benefactor.
Dear Franca, rest in perfect peace. We love you but God loves you most.
Your family will always remain in my prayers.
Rest In Peace my dear friend ???❤️??

May her soul Rest In Peace ?

Francisca was a sister for me, very development convinced on the critical area of African development. She supported me to expand the use of African local food from our ecosystem. She has inspired the development of the West African Food Data Table, revised.
She also provided me thoughts to advocate for the importance of west Africa food biodiversity at highest level of ECOWAS decision making bodies, and at the network of west Africa peasants network association. God bless He. I still keep her book on the West Africa Foods origin and use, I struggled to translate without success. Who can challenge this for her, with me?
Dr Thiam Ismael (former, nutrition and Child survival officer at the West African Health Agency)

Dearest Franca, thank you for all these years of friendship. Not only were you an elephant woman, powerful and dedicated, but your kindness was a gift for all of us.