FRANKLIN – Clara Jean Franklin of Brooks, beloved wife of the late William Franklin, passed away at Brooks on Jan. 29, 2025 at the age of 97. Jean was born on November 16th, 1928 in Sonningdale, Saskatchewan, one of seven daughters born to Clara and Roy Barr. Her most cherished childhood memories were of roaming the North Saskatchewan River hills with her sisters and the antics that ensued when the seven girls were involved. She grew up during the depression which greatly affected her, she would always say that there was no such thing as too much rain and was, above all else, a fierce proponent of universal health care. Jean took her high school courses by correspondence and graduated when she was 17. She then took a two-month Normal School course in Saskatoon to become a teacher. She used to recount the VE-Day celebrations that spontaneously erupted in the streets while she was there and how amazing the feeling was that the war was finally over. She got her first teaching position in Elrose, Saskatchewan and as a young 17-year-old teacher was responsible for a one room school hours. Her students ranged from 6-16 years old. She rose to the challenge, and became an integral part of the community and remained in contact with many of her students over the years. Jean then decided that she wanted to try something different and applied for the teaching job in 100 Mile House, B.C. To her surprise she got the position. Jean married Bill Franklin, a returning war veteran, in 1947 and they took the train to British Columbia; Jean to 100 Mile House and Bill to Washington state to look for work. Within a year they moved to Washington state and remained there for the next 8 years. During this time two of their children, Jack and Dennis, were born. In 1956 Bill and Jean moved to Brooks and opened Franklin’s Tires. Jean was the book keeper of the fledgling business while at the same time looking after their family which now included a daughter, Kathie and a few years later another son, Billy. Jean decided she needed another challenge and ran for a position on the Brooks Public Library Board in 1959 and won. This began a long career in public service which included being a trustee on the Brooks School Board for many years, then becoming a town councilor for several more years and finally being elected mayor of Brooks for two terms. One of the accomplishments she was most proud of was the establishment of the Bow River Water Users Association in 1980 when she and her good friend and comrade in arms, Martha Andrews, collected thousands of names on a petition to address the City of Calgary’s lack of attention to the polluting of the Bow River. Marches and protests ensued which led to an upgrade of the Bonnybrook Treatment Plant. Jean was a wonderful Grandma and was always there if she was needed. The Easter egg hunts at Grandma’s house were always epic and nothing was spared at Christmas, always culminating in her famous flaming plum pudding. She was an avid traveler and often lamented that the only continent she hadn’t visited was the Antarctic. She loved gardening and her beautiful yard was always a testament to her love of nature. Her house was always a hub for any family get together and she loved nothing more than visiting with family and friends and had a special place in her heart for all her nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her Son, John (Annie) Franklin; grandchildren, Richard and Rebecca Franklin. Son, Dennis (Jo) Franklin, their children; Danny (Lindsay) Franklin and their son Davis; Amber (Colin) Patterson and their children Holden and Harper. Daughter, Kathie (Barry) Humen, their children; Aaron (Korin) Humen, their daughter Hannah; Jason (Katie) Humen, their children Daryl and William; Brett Humen. Son Billy (Shawna) Franklin and their daughters Abby Franklin and Kaitlyn Franklin. Graveside Services will be held at Brooks Cemetery at a later date. For further information or to leave a message of sympathy in memory of Jean, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
