Frances Ellison (DeKouchay)
Born In: Sydney
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: April 4th, 2014
Frances Sonya Ellison passed away on April 4, 2014 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Frances was born and raised in Sydney, the daughter of the late Michael and Mary DeKouchay.
She graduated from Sydney City Hospital School of Nursing, having led the province that year in the examinations for Registered Nurses. Frances continued her education in teaching and administration at the University of Toronto and subsequently received her Bachelor of Science degree from St. F. X. University. In addition, she completed the two year program in hospital organization and management through the Canadian Hospital Association and the University of Manitoba.
Frances was appointed as an Administrative Surveyor for the Canadian Council and Accreditation of Health Care Facilities for Hospitals in Canada. In Addition, she served as a Manuscript Reviewer of the Health Management Forum, the official publication of the Canadian College of Health Service Executives.
Frances was a respected member of the Canadian and American Colleges of Health Services Executives having passed both Board of Governors examinations and she held a variety of prestigious positions.
Frances received the Health Services Recognition Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to health care services in Nova Scotia by the Canadian College of Health Services Executive, Bluenose Chapter. In addition, Frances was awarded Lifelong Membership by the Canadian College of Health Leaders in recognition of her healthcare leadership for more than 25 years. She also received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal.
Frances’ 45-year career in health care included positions in Canada, Bermuda and the United States. When she returned to Sydney she quickly moved on to become a Nursing Instructor, Director of the School of Nursing, Director of Nursing Services, Director of Patient Care and ultimately Executive Director of Sydney City Hospital, a position she held for ten years.
As a result of her leadership, many new programs and services were established at Sydney City Hospital including Cardiac Ultrasound and the CT Scan services. Frances was very much involved in the planning of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital as a member of the Executive Steering Committee.
Frances was predeceased by her beloved son Michael Duane and precious grandson, Michael Kelly Ellison and her brothers, John, Loney and Michael DeKouchay; sister, Donna Ann and her daughter-in-law, Nancy. She is survived by her grandchildren, Sarah (Jason) and Lara (Matthew), great grandchildren, Hallie, Jude, Hannah and Hunter; special niece Dr. Alice Sette (Joe); close friend Sharon Lloy MacKay, nephews, nieces, cousins in both Canada, the United States and Australia. Frances will fondly be remembered as a devoted and dedicated mother, grandmother and friend.
Memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Rev. Gary Burrill will officiate. Reception to follow at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Interment in Hardwood Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Frances would be pleased if friends celebrated her life by gifting the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation (Cardiac Care Unit) or charity of one’s choice.
