HUSTOF, Frances Teresa – Age 75, Springfield, Annapolis Co., passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at home. Born in St. John’s, NL, she was a daughter of the late William and Jane (Benteau) Croke.
We met on February 1982, during the Ocean Ranger OIL Rig disaster & an immediate attraction was felt by both of us. After commuting back & forth for 21/2 yrs, Frances and the 4 kids moved to Nova Scotia and we were married on December 21,1984.
Frances was a highly motivated person who excelled in everything she pursued, whether it be crafts or career work, which became immediately evident by her work at the Halifax Herald in the Circulation department and earned the respect and friendship of all that knew her there…. I was extremely proud of her, marveled in the respect she was shown by her mentors and bosses alike.
We moved to Winnipeg in 1991 we (Andy, Frances, Boyd & Mom Croke) drove and shopped our way across Canada and the states for a 12-month French course….loved every 2 weekends in the states …more shopping. Spent another couple years camping at Lake Torment while keeping an eye out for a house….which we found in March 1996 and bought our old farmhouse where we lived since. Frances continued her crafts especially ceramics which she didn’t only make 1, she made 3 for the girls Jackie, Joanne & Rox as well as herself. She began doing homecare for some of the local seniors until going to Pay a Dollar Plus as manager for about 8 yrs until closing. Frances’ mom came over for Christmas in 2000 and ended up staying until her death in 2015. We resumed our love of camping after discovering Lahave River Campground in 2011 where we stayed until 2024 as seasonal campers. She battled her way with COPD, and we managed our way through it with the direction and help from lung specialist Dr. Dutoit, family physician Jennifer Riis, and the help and understanding from New Germany Shopper’s Drug Mart pharmacy department.
Jackie – “As I sit and think of my mom things that come to mind is her kind and generous heart, she would give the shirt off her back for anyone and anytime. Her kids she would go above and beyond for in any manor, never judging and always with a listening ear. She cried when she knew we hurt even as adults, but she always was there no matter what. We all knew she was always a phone call away.
Her smile so contagious and welcoming, she was so liked by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mom was born a Newfie, but made a home in NS, she loved country life. Although I as the oldest stayed in NL, she visited me and my family often, we loved to see her coming and hated to see her leave. As she did me when I went to visit, at the airport there was always tears. I would say “I will be back mom”, I will always be back. I will continue to go back, as she would have wanted that. The grandkids she loved & adored, couldn’t get enough of them and couldn’t wait to come back to see them. She recently found out she was going to be a great-great Nan and was over-joyed she was going to see that. I was fortunate for the past few years to travel with my mom, Mexico for my birthday, Cuba, Punta Cana for Mother’s Day; she loved it and couldn’t get enough of it. Always planning the next trip wondering where and when we were going, it was nice to see her so excited it was beautiful to see her live her life. Although she was scared of going she quickly realized what she had been missing, and was living life to the fullest.
My mom cared for her mom with dementia for years; she was able to do this with her loving attentive and devoted husband Andy, who both selfishly gave up their retirement years to care for her with their whole heart. Mom was so crafty, loved making things etc, I would joke and say “I don’t inherit that gene”! Mom would always say “Jackie slow down “, when life was so busy. She apologized because we didn’t do much on a trip up, I said “mom I had one of the best trips because I got to relax and just be here with you”. We talked so much that last trip, and I am grateful to have had it and the memories that come with it.
Mom was and will be the rock and backbone to this family, who will continue to hold it together under any & all circumstance. She is missed terribly and so very much loved. The loss is great, and we mourn her, she’s more than a mom/ Nan/ partner she everything in between. Mom would always say “a mother’s love is like no other “, selfless and unconditional as was her love for us. We look for guidance now from our angel; she would be the one we would have called to talk in hard times. Although no longer here in person, we still talk to her for help and guidance to get us through one of the hardest times we have had to face as a family.
Family: is everything and its forever.”
Joanne – “She was a fun Mom. She loved to sing and dance with her kids her favorite dance was the bump. She had a kind heart and she was always there when we needed her. Mom loved her animals they were her babies. She loved gardening and decorating for Halloween and Christmas. She really enjoyed the holidays!”
Boyd – “I didn’t know how hard it would be to write a few lines about my time & memories with my mom. I do know that the time was too short and I would have loved for her to be able to spend more time with her newest grandson Noah and Noah’s mom, Maryna.
Mom enjoyed her Face time very much with all of us. Noah and Maryna enjoyed seeing and talking to her often and miss her very much. Mom had a lot of patience with me being the only boy. I was always getting hurt or into some sort of trouble like fighting with my sisters…..which I did eventually grow out of lol. I miss being home with her especially during the Christmas season as mom loved everything about Christmas, so I have been heartbroken as we lost her just prior to Christmas, not a chance for any of us to say our good byes, but she will be forever in my thoughts and memories…so many !!……I miss her very much.”
Roxanne – “To me my mom stood out from the rest..She taught me how to be a mom..She cared for everyone and loved everyone with all her heart ..She didn’t judge me and she was always there when you needed her..I will miss not only my mom but my best friend..She will be dearly missed by her entire family and close friends..I miss you mom..”
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Surviving is her husband, Andrew Raymond Hustoft; daughters, Jacqueline “Jackie” Croke, Conception Bay South, NL; Joanne (John) Falls, Eastern Passage; Roxanne Hickey, Dartmouth; son, Boyd Hickey, Fort Saskatchewan, AB; grandchildren, Sheri (Sean) Dicks, Joshua Lush (Allie), Brad Lush (Sherri), Andrea Lush (Brandon), Sarah Lush, Alix Falls (Mike), Erin Falls, Devon Falls (Maddie), Damon Falls (Kelly), Noah Hickey, Courtney Hickey, Justen Johnston, Deshawn Hickey; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Emily, Charlee, Evan, Olivia, Austin, Owen, Frankie, Jayden, Andre, Kaiya, Faith; several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Marie Bourassa; brother, William “Billy” Croke.
By personal request, there will be no visitation or service held at this time. No flowers please, memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Lung Association, SHAID Animal Shelter or a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.
