Frank, Pearlie Anna (nee Flaata) passed away peacefully with loved ones present Wednesday, December 15, in Oshawa at the age of 93. Predeceased by her husband Walter, father Sten, mother Christine (Bakken) and sister Gustie. Devoted mother of Allan (Cynthia), Steven (Susan-Jane), beloved grandmother of Madelaine. Remembered fondly by Saskatchewan family especially cousin Joyce Bristow of Moose Jaw, who was like a sister to her and Gustie.
A prairie girl at heart, Pearlie Anna was raised in a Norwegian farming family near Kincaid. Born on the cusp of the Great Depression, she lived as idyllic of
a childhood as would be possible through the ‘Dirty Thirties’. She even learned how to play the accordion from her Dad. As employment options in Kincaid were few, and tired of working at the post office, she decided to follow Gustie, who had joined the RCAF, in Trenton, Ontario. Here she would find work at Bell Telephone becoming an operator and eventually a supervisor. Around this time she was introduced to a young cattle dealer named Walter Frank. He would soon contract polio and Pearl chose a life of selfless dedication to Walter marrying in 1955 with family life in Bowmanville beginning in 1956 with the arrival of Allan and then Steven in 1961. Pearl was the undeniable source of Walter’s ability to forge on despite his handicap when he decided to reinvent himself selling real estate. Pearl was certainly Walter’s foundation to build W. Frank Real Estate into one of the largest independent real estate companies in Ontario.She got the opportunity to travel to Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe including Norway where she was able to visit many of her relatives. Creative and stylish, Pearl’s warmth and generosity were well known but she could also be stubborn and tenacious, qualities that helped her persevere – there must have been some Viking still in her Scandinavian blood. From simple beginnings as Pearlie Anna Flaata she would leave an indelible mark on all lucky enough to have met her.
A online celebration of Pearlie’s life will take place on an appropriate date in 2022. More information is available at www.northcuttelliott.com
