July 24, 2026
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Frances Ethel Roppel (née DuCharme) of Bruce Township died peacefully, July 22, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones, at 73 years young.
Beloved wife of John Roppel, who will miss her dearly.
Devoted and loving mother of Duncan MacAuley, Angus (Melissa) MacAuley, Kate (Wyatt) MacAuley, Marietta (Steve) MacAuley, Jeffrey Roppel, and Patricia (Gary) Roppel-Keeling.
She was the proud and cherished grandmother of Alex, Sheldon, Billy, Jacob, Cameron, Charlotte, Celina, Jane, George, Clara, Rachel (Caleb), Katherine, Hannah, Kyle, Kurtis, Kristopher, and Cory; and was delighted to be the great-grandmother of Annabelle and Amelia.
Fran is survived by her siblings, Nancy, and Kas (Wayne); as well as her brothers-in-law, Ken Roppel and Tom (Diane) Roppel.
She will also be deeply missed by her dear friend, Carol; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Predeceased by her parents, and brother-in-law, Bruce Roppel.
Born, raised, and educated in Wingham, Fran was the beloved daughter of the late Verdun "Dutch" DuCharme and Ethel (Andrews) DuCharme.
Fran raised four children on a farm outside of Ripley. Later in life, she dedicated her working life to caring for others as a Registered Practical Nurse at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Kincardine. She was deeply passionate about nursing and was known for her compassion, kindness, and wonderful sense of humour that brought comfort and laughter to patients, colleagues, family, and friends, alike.
In addition to nursing, she delivered mail on the RR 5, Lucknow route.
After retirement, she became chief cultivator and tractor wagon driver for John. She loved driving wagons to the grain elevators.
Wandering through the trails at Inverhuron occupied many afternoons throughout the year. If it was summer, Fran could be found sitting on the beach in Inverhuron, John joining her. Fran also enjoyed taking scenic routes which pushed John’s regular routes out the car window. The journey was just as important as the destination.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 6-8 p.m., at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine.
The funeral will be held Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Port Elgin, with a reception to follow.
Interment, Port Bruce Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Huron Shores Hospice, Tiverton, or Faith Lutheran Church, Port Elgin, would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences and donations may be made on-line at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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