Frances Edna (Taylor) Mickle died on November 12, 2025, at Chatham Kent Health Alliance following a brief period of failing health. She was 95. She is at peace and is now with her husband, Bill (died 2006).
Loving mother of Pam (Dave) OโBrien, Judith (Randy) Pollock and John Mickle. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Michael (Jena) OโBrien, Dan (Jamie) OโBrien, Andrew (Jessica) Pollock and David Pollock. She was predeceased by her grandson Steven OโBrien (2015). She was a great grandma to Sophia, Lucy, Jack, Steven, William and Max.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Edna (Walper) Taylor, and by her older sisters, Marg, Tish, and Alice. The sisters were a close-knit group ฬถ ฬถ they kept in contact with each other throughout their lives and shared many good times and memories.
Mom was a feisty farm girl who grew up on a farm near Grand Bend. In 1942 the family moved to Exeter when the farm was taken over by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to create an auxiliary airport for student pilots training at RCAF Centralia. Today it is the site of the Grand Bend Motorplex. After the move to Exeter, mom attended Exeter High School where she met her love and lifelong partner, Bill Mickle.
Following High School, mom attended Normal School in London. She taught grade 1 in Thorold, London, and Exeter before settling down with dad on the farm outside Hensall. In 1977 dad sold the farm and they moved to Exeter, momโs old stomping grounds.
Mom was never one to be idle. She and dad travelled near and far. She was an athlete in high school and continued to enjoy active pursuits throughout her life ฬถ ฬถ curling, golf, line dancing, lawn bowling, tai chi, and skating with the moms and tots program until well into her 70s. She loved the outdoors ฬถ ฬถ sitting on the patio, walking, and cross-country skiing (cajoling dad to join her at least one time). Mom was an involved member of the Exeter community: She volunteered at The Exeter Villa for over 15 years. She helped at the Exeter Hospital gift shop. She delivered meals with Meals on Wheels. She was a member of Exeter United Church and as a UCW member, made meat pies at the church. She first helped assemble the meat pies and later graduated to the Holy Rollers (making and rolling dough for the meat pies). She enjoyed a good book, and was a solver of crossword, jigsaw and word find puzzles.
As per momโs wishes, the family will remember her privately with interment at Exeter Cemetery.
Any donations can be directed to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, an organization mom supported.
Forever loved. Forever missed.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Donna Hare
Pam, Judith and John ..Mark and I send our sincere condolences to you and your families!
Carmen Davies
Dear Pam, Judith, John and Families,
Sending condolences on the passing of your mother. May your cherished memories help you through this time.
Carmen Davies (Currie)
Rick Hundey
My deep sympathies to Fran’s family. I have fond memories of a kind, and gentle woman, smiling with a bit of an eyeball roll, as your Dad and I kibbitzed over politics. Take good care all.
Linda Crerar
Sending my sincere condolences. I have many fond memories from all the “sleepovers” at the Mickle home in our younger years. Take care. Hugs.
Linda Crerar (Bell)
GARRY WILLIAM GORDON CLEMENT
Sincere condolences. What a long and great life she had.
Linda (& Jerry) Traquair
Dear Mickle family,
Extending our condolences on the passing of your Mom/Grandma.
She was one of those endearing characters who made ‘growing up in Hensall’, so memorable. She had such a happy persona…and that ‘velvety’ voice!
I got to know Fran on a different level while nursing her own dear Mom, Mrs. Taylor at Queensway, in the late 60s. Fran was not only a busy Mom and community member, but a compassionate, loving daughter.
So very sorry for your own great loss.
Barry & Melonie
Pam, Judith, John & families
A life well lived & so many memories.
Our thoughts & sympathy to you.
Your mom was always kind & had a cute giggle ..
Barry & Melonie
Bob and Helen Coates
Our condolences to Franโs family. She was a lovely lady and contributed to her community in many ways. I always enjoyed working with her at Exeter UCW. The world is certainly a better place because she was here.
Mike Veal and Marlyn Wein
Condolences to the Mickle family. Your mom was such a great lady. We grew up and went to church and Sunday school together. Never forget our families connections. Thinking of all of you. The Veals
John & Carol Coleman
To all of Fran’s family & friends who loved & admired her;
We are extending our heartfelt condolences at this sorrowful time in your life. It is generally hardest to say good bye to the matriarch of the family…Thank God for her long & beautiful soul. I met Fran long ago at the Curling Club. She was so engaging, a quiet but solid leader & encouraged me to “stick with it! (Curling that is)” I went on to play recreational curling for many years after that but unlike Fran, I also hung up my broom far sooner. Embrace every one of your favorite memories until you meet again on the other side.
John Beer, Steve Beer
Pam, Judy, John
Your family was foundational to Hensall agri-business and the larger community a hundred years ago, when our grandparents
knew each other. Sincere condolences.
Natalie Lockie Mason
My sincerest sympathy on the loss of your mom, I have many good memories playing in the chicken barns with you Judith, and getting bologna from the fridge to feed the barn kittens.
Jenn Collins
So sorry to hear a out the passing of Aunt Fran. Thinking of all of you.
Arlene [Chipchase] Styles
Pam, Judith, John & families….deepest condolences in the loss of Mom. I remember your Mom & Dad and the farm just down the road. May your many memories help you through the days ahead. Rest in Peace Fran.
Jim and Mary Lou Hyde
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Fran was a great friend to all those fortunate enough to know her. We remember many, many good times with your mom and dad with the Hensall Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs. Hopefully it helps knowing they are reunited.
Peter Jr and Linda
Condolences for the passing of your mom Fran your mom was a wonderful person friendly and kind. Keep all your memories close.
Lynn Hope(Stephens)
John and the Mickle Family,
Iโm so sorry to hear of your momโs passing. You have my deepest sympathies. Hold your memories close. Hugs to all
Evelyn Vincent
To Fran’s family and loved ones
sorry to read of the passing of Fran. She was well known and loved by many. Her legacy will live on in each of her family. May the good memories bring peace and comfort
Jill & Ralph
Dear Pam, Judith, John and families,
Our thoughts are with you at your time of loss.
Your Mom had so much energy, I remember as we were kids .
Wonderful memories of our years growing up as neighbours.
With caring thoughts.
Jill & Ralph
Elaine (Bell) Ford.
Condolence to Fran and Bills family. They were both very active in the community โค๏ธโค๏ธ
MaryJane Taylor
To Frans Family
My Sympathy to you all in your loss of a dear mom, grandmother and great grandma โฆ.
I curled with Fran for many years and she always was fun to have on your teamโฆ
She was a lovely lady and will be missedโฆ
Fran has been blessed with a long full life โฆโฆ.