Obituary of Frances Lane Canada

Frances Lane Canada, 68, of Roanoke, Virginia, earned her way to Heaven on March 8, 2018.  She stood up to cancer for 41 years and fought hard.  After living a rich, fun life, she succumbed to the disease surrounded by her loving husband and two children. 

Lane was preceded in death by her father, James Phillips Bradley.  Lane is survived by many family and friends, including her loving husband of nearly 47 years, Jerry Lynn Canada.  She is also survived by her mother, Frances Bradley Poole, son Benjamin Bradley Canada and wife Denise Harb Canada, daughter Jennie Lynn Weeks and husband Brian Landon Weeks.  Lane loved her four grandchildren, Casey Vernon Weeks, Carson Lane Weeks, Tucker Bradley Canada, and Blythe Miriam Canada.  Lane is also survived by four siblings, Phill Bradley, Jr. and wife Shaye, Laree Hinshelwood and husband Jack, Loris Bradley and Robert Bradley.  She is also survived by fun-loving cousins Robert and Carol Camp, and their son Brad.  Finally, Lane leaves behind a great many extended family and friends.

Lane touched everyone who knew her.  She was a great example and resource to others, as she lived her life to the fullest while carrying a heavy burden.  She had an infectious laugh that will stay with us all.  Lane asked us to remember Dr. Seuss’ quotation, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” 

Lane graduated from Virginia Tech in 1971, majoring in Sociology.  She loved her Hokies and regularly attended Virginia Tech football and basketball games.  Lane also loved to travel, camp, cruise with her husband Jerry, spend time with her grandchildren and family, and cook for mission trips.  A perfect day for Lane was enjoying a sunny beach with her grandchildren, a couple glasses of wine late afternoon, and a seafood boil. 

Lane worked 39 years in social work and mental health support.  During her career with Norfolk and Roanoke City Social Services, she focused on adoptions, foster care and protective services, and court custody cases. 

In lieu of flowers, Lane asked that we donate to Days for Girls Outreach Project.  Checks may be made to Northview United Methodist Church and sent to 521 Ridgecrest Dr., Roanoke, VA 24019, Attention: Days for Girls.

The family will receive friends Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 3-7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Northview United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Doug Sasser and the Rev. Jeff Wilson officiating. A reception will follow in the church Family Life Center. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707.