Obituary of France Teresa Kugler

FRANCE TERESA KUGLER (nee McAllister) September 24, 1944 - June 24, 2018 France "Fran" was born in Hemmingford, QC to the late Irene and Willard McAllister, and lived there until she was 19 years old. Her adventurous life began in the fields and rivers around the family farm. In 1966, she married her sweetheart "Herbie" Kugler and a few years later moved to Vancouver and then Cranbrook to begin their new adventure in British Columbia. Until Herbie's death in 2001, they lived in their log house on an acreage outside of Cranbrook where Fran enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening; an outdoor lifestyle that attracted them to the west. Many people in the community knew Fran as the friendly face who worked in the Safeway meat department for over 31 years. Fran took up new hobbies with commitment and a competitive spirit. Whether it was skiing, golfing or playing cards, Fran approached each with passion and quickly became a master. When Fran got the travel bug she dreamed big; finally fulfilling her goal to step foot on to all seven continents in October of 2017. To Fran, saying something was "impossible" only made her more determined. Twelve years ago, Fran was introduced to a "new man", and married Ken Bettin in 2007. Their relationship was built on a shared joy of people, companionship, and traveling. In this expanded circle, if you were a friend to one, you became a friend to all. The most important part of Fran's life was her friends and family. She loved everyone without prejudice and was patient and kind to all (except in cards!) Her legacy will be the many people who admired her strength in times of difficulty, patience in times of adversity, and friendship in times that mattered. Fran was predeceased by her first husband Herb and her siblings Mabel, James, Arthur and Robert. Fran is survived by her husband Ken Bettin, daughter Tanya, sisters Eva (Marcel) and Suzanne (Lorna), brothers Richard (Rommy) and Marcel, sister-in-law Shirley McAdam and brother-in-law Andre Beaudin. A Funeral Mass for Fran will be celebrated at Christ the Servant Catholic Church, 1100 14th Avenue South, in Cranbrook, BC on Saturday, June 30 at 11:00 am. A reception in the church hall will follow. Donations in Fran's honour can be made to the Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary Society at 250-426-7619. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com