Fran came to Fort Saskatchewan in 1953 with her husband who was an employee of the new Sherritt Gordon Mines plant. She has always been active in community groups, joining the Anglican Church Women's league in 1954. By the time the hospital was opened in March of 1966, she had been recruited into the Auxiliary by then president, Ruby Lambkin. Fran feels the Auxiliary has been an important asset to the hospital. The group operates the gift shop which is stocked with many hand-crafted items made by the members, used books which can be had for a pittance, and snacks and toiletries.
Members also take a cart around to hospital rooms daily, providing a service for patients.
In its history, the Auxiliary has donated generously to the costs of new hospital equipment and quite recently, the palliative care room. Through the years Fran held a number of executive positions, although she says she is now content to work in the gift shop and do the rounds with the cart.