Frances Ilkow (née Kagan)

Frances Ilkow (née Kagan) of Dorval, Quebec died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 100 years. Frances was born in Winnipeg and attended St Mary’s Academy. While working as a teacher and studying piano she met Stanley Ilkow, who had emigrated to Canada in 1947 after fighting in WWII with the Polish II Corps of the British Eighth Army.

After Stanley passed away in 1981, Frances returned to her studies, earning a Master’s Degree in French Literature from McGill University. Frances was an avid tennis player, cross-country skier and swimmer. She gave much of her time to the St Vincent De Paul Society and Meals on Wheels and was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League. She was the organist and choir member at St Veronica’s Parish for many years. She traveled the world attending Suzuki Music conferences and loved the steady stream of young and old piano students in her home. She will be remembered as a bright and caring person, who always made time for others and had a strong spirit.

Frances is survived by her children Christopher, Conrad, Michael, Martha, John and Annie, and her grandson Jacob. She is preceded in death by her son Paul, brother Joseph, brother Thomas, and sister (Rosalia Mary) Sister Alphonsus.

The family wishes to thank the incredibly dedicated and compassionate team at Manoir Beaconsfield — especially Donna Nicdao — who cared for Frances like she was family and made every visit and celebration a wonderful memory for us to cherish.