Daverna Rodene Franklin

May 12, 2016

FRANKLIN, Daverna
March 22, 1959 – May 12, 2016

Daverna Franklin (nee Neider) passed away at the Bethany Care Centre in Didsbury, AB on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the age of 57 years, ending a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Left to mourn her passing is her loving husband of 32 years, Henry (Hank) Franklin of Cremona, AB; her stepdaughter, Heather Franklin of Calgary, AB; her parents, Allan and Verdelle Neider of Weldon, SK; brother, David (Karen) Neider of Melfort, SK; daughter-in-law, granddaughter and grandson of Airdrie, AB; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and her many friends. Daverna was predeceased by her sisters, Jennifer in 2015 and Andrea in 2009.

Daverna was born and raised in Calgary, AB and after graduating from John Diefenbaker High School she went to work as a civilian member of the Calgary Police Service. The majority of her employ with the CPS was as the Administrative Assistant to the Commander of the Major Crimes Section. It was here that she would meet a Major Crimes Detective that would become the love her life, whom she would marry and with whom she would share the rest of her life. In 1987 Daverna joined the Trans Alta Utilities Human Resources team where she would establish herself as a well liked and respected team member with a very promising future.

In January of 1995 Daverna was diagnosed with the insidious and cruel disease Multiple Sclerosis. Over the next 21 years MS would destroy every nerve and neuropathway in her body, rendering her in severe pain and unable to move and at the end, unable to speak. Although MS succeeded in taking her life, it could not defeat her spirituality, her courage, her dignity, nor the loving warmth and care for others that were the hallmarks of her personality.

At Daverna’s request, no public Funeral will be held. It was her wish that an intimate gathering of immediate family join for a Celebration of Life at a later date.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Didsbury Bethany Centre for their care of our cherished girl. You cared for her with the touch of angels, the love of family and you preserved her dignity to the very end. Thank you all.

As Daverna would end every conversation with someone she cared for,

“Go with Light and Love. I love you.”

Messages of Condolence

So sad to hear of Daverna's passing. We worked together many years ago and she always had a smile for everyone. I have many memories of weddings, moving homes, horseback riding excursions and lots of laughter.

- Lee Ann Lyness

"Death Leaves A Heartache No-One Can Heal. Love Leaves A Memory No-One Can Steal" Our hearts go out to you Hank (and the rest of the family). I remember Daverna so well with affection. She was a ray of sunlight in the Detective Office and we shared many a laugh as we got through the trials and tribulations of working in the police environment. She was always "up" in spirit and attitude and never complained even when we asked her to do difficult tasks with impossible deadlines. We are so sorry for your loss. Frank & Wollene.

- Frank Mitchell

I was very blessed to have Daverna as a friend. We grew up together and no one had more fun and happy memories than we did in our youth. We had a bond that could not be broken with distance or time. Daverna was a very special person; she was wise, kind, beautiful and full of love. I will never forget how her smile and presence could make everything calm and hopeful. To know Daverna was to know pure love. I will cherish all my memories and will never forget this amazing women. My thoughts and condolences are with Hank and her loving family. I know she will watch over you all.

- Carol Prest (nee Gier)

I knew Daverna and her husband from our days with the CPS. When I learned of her illness, I made a point of calling her and Hank on a semi-regular basis, just to have a chat and perhaps cheer her up to some degree. Without fail, it was she who cheered me up. At no time, in any of the phone calls I made, did I ever once hear her complain about her illness. She was the most upbeat person I knew. She was quite a lady and she'll be missed.

- Glen BERRY

My sincere sympathy and prayers to Hank and Daverna's family. I worked with Daverna at TransAlta and remember with fond memories all the trips we took up to the plants north of Edmonton. In her job as analyst, Daverna gave 150% and all the managers at the plants had great respect for her. Even if we were running late for appts Daverna would always stop at Tim Hortons to get donuts for the workers. She was the most generous, thoughtful person I worked with and I will always treasure those times; both as a co-worker and a friend. She truly was an angel, God bless her. Dianna Carr

- Dianna Carr

We were friends for over 25 years. Our condolences to Hank and family. Daverna was a treasure, a wonderful friend and we will miss her everyday. Those we hold close in our hearts never truly leave us, when you lose someone you love, you gain an angel. Daverna was an angel in every way, she cared so much for all of us. I know she will be missed by all of us.

- Marg & Sid Stevens

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