December 25, 1954 – September 7, 2026 

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Francine Marie Albanie Bichel (Nee Julien). She lost her battle with cancer on Monday, September 7 at 11:20 p.m. at the age of 71. 

Francine is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Ken; her married daughters Dawn Waters (Nathan) and Tammy McCulloch (Mike); and her three grandchildren Amelia Waters and William and Ava McCulloch, as well as her five brothers: John (Henriette) Julien, Guy Julien, Jack Julien, Mark Julien and Claude (Sylvette) Julien and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Francine was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Margo Julien and her brother Paul (Jr.) Julien. 

Francine was born at home in a small farmhouse on Christmas Day, December 25, 1954. Her dad was an underground miner contractor who moved the family frequently from province to province based on his mining contracts. Francine went to various schools and became bilingual in French and English. Her father moved them to Lynn Lake, Manitoba in 1971 where Ken met Francine in 1973. They married on May 17, 1975, and Dawn was born in Lynn Lake in 1976. They moved to Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, for a brief time where Tammy was born. They then moved to Coleman, Alberta, for a short time before moving to Kamloops in June of 1979, where they made a permanent home and raised their family. Francine was a stay-at-home mother who raised her daughters until they became teenagers while Ken worked extensively. She worked in the hotel industry for a few years then transitioned to working as a home care worker until she retired at the age of 60. They traveled for a time driving in and around Canada and visiting relatives spread throughout the country until travelling became too difficult for Francine, they enjoyed their home and visiting with family and Francine especially enjoyed her grandchildren. 

Francine will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

We thank the doctors and nurses and Marge Willoughby Hospice staff who made her last days as comfortable as possible. 

A funeral service for Francine will be held on September 28 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, 255 Nicola St., Kamloops, B.C., at 11:00 a.m. Refreshments and snacks will follow, and the ashes will be spread at the Hillside Cemetery garden at 750 Notre Dame Dr. with family and relatives. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral and Cremation Services for the Bichel family.

• Date : 2026-09-07
• Location : Kamloops