It is with great sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved Frances Smookler on August 10, 2023, at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.
Fran was born on August 19th, 1933 to Max and Esther Myers.
In 1970 she was called to the Bar and was one of only 9 women in her graduating class. In her first year as a lawyer Fran went to the Supreme Court arguing for the rights of Indigenous women, and served as a lawyer for almost 30 years, most of it partnering with her best friend and biggest supporter, her husband Kenneth Smookler.
Fran also loved people, and always had time to offer her wisdom and counselling to friends, friends of friends and anyone who seemed to need her help.
She was a philanthropist and engaged with social needs by serving on the boards of arts, business and culture organizations and she was a founding member and President of the LIFE Institute.
Frances loved to make people laugh and will be remembered for her radiant smile and effervescent spirit that never faltered even to the very end.
Fran is survived by her husband Kenneth and her four children Sharon Agassi (Yossi) (mother of Maya Agassi), Norman Smookler (Gabriela - Ana, Johann, Katja, Rosa), Elaine Smookler (deceased Michael Nemiroff), David Smookler (Linda), her granddaughter Maya, and by her brother Martin Myers (Colleen) and his family.
The service was held at Elgin Mills Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
Here is the recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWu1MnxiWVY