Eastern Townships couple wins Lotto Max prize worth $55M

When Waterville resident Ann-Marie Francis turned on her computer Saturday to check her Loto-Qubec numbers, she wasn't expecting they would reveal shehad just become $55 million richer.

"I still don't believe it," Francis, the most recent Lotto Max winner,said at a news conferenceon Monday.

It took her five times to read the numbers on her screen before she finally went outside to see her husband, Ian Warcup, who had been cleaning the pool.

"She just said come in the house because she had something to show me," said Warcup."I went in and I stopped cleaning the pool."

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A secret to all

Francis and Warcup have five children between the ages of 24 and31, all of whom live in the Eastern Townships. They also have three grandchildren.

"They don't know. They're finding out now," said Francis.

The couple attended the news conferencein a limousine something that made Francis laugh.

"We're just taking it easy and coming to terms with what's just happened," she said.

Lotto-Max winners talk about prize

7 years ago

Duration 1:45

Ann-Marie Francis and Ian Warcup talk about what it was like to win the lottery.

The couple works in a small promotional business in the Eastern Townships. Warcupalso works a second job on the side.

For the moment,he has no plans on quitting, but saidhe may reduce his hours and retire soon.

"We lived well. We didn't live extravagant lives. We ate every day," said Warcup.

"The biggest thing is that we have our health," said Francis.

Husband may still have to clean the pool

The Lennoxville couplestill don't know what they're going to do with the money, though Warcup said they would maybe look into buying a new house or repairing their current home.

He also said he wouldgo on a vacation or invest in property with his son.

"I think I can retire. Enjoy my children and life," said Warcup.

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When asked if he would continue cleaning his own pool, he replied that he mightlook at hiring someone to do the work for him.

But his wifeseemed hesitant.

"I'll keep my pool boy," she said.