KATHLEEN MAY FROESE (née: Stephenson)

Kathleen May Froese aged 88 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026.  

Kathleen was born on her parents’ homestead east of Drake in 1938 and grew up there and in the nearby town of Lockwood, SK, in a loving home with her adoring older brothers.  It was there that her love of learning and commitment to serving her community were nurtured.  Education and learning played an important role in their home, and she left Lockwood to attend Saskatoon Teachers College.  Kathleen returned to teach at Bloomfield and Lockwood, and when a handsome young teacher showed up in the area, she was smitten.  Their romance lasted for another 62 years, until Gus’s passing in 2017.  

Kathleen and Gus were married in 1959 and began their married life in Saskatoon, SK, where they both taught school.  They moved to Aberdeen, SK in 1960, where Rich was born in 1961 and then to Hanley, SK in 1962, where Rob was born in 1963.  Kathleen and Gus moved to Moose Jaw in 1966, where Kirby was born in 1970.  

While in Moose Jaw, Kathleen resumed her educational journey, obtaining her Bachelor’s (B. Ed.) degree from the University of Regina in 1977 and her Master’s (M. Admin.) degree from the University of Oregon in 1988.  Kathleen also resumed her teaching career in Moose Jaw, teaching elementary grades at Palliser Heights and Ross schools until her retirement in 1995.  Kathleen was called to teach, and it was evident to her students, fellow teachers, and support staff.  Her many students remembered her fondly and would always greet “Mrs. Froese” wherever they met.  Kathleen enjoyed the rewards and challenges of providing young students with the basis for continuing their own educational journeys.  

Kathleen’s belief in serving her community led to her involvement with the Saskatchewan NDP executive, the United Church Women’s Group, and the Eastern Star.  After retiring, Kathleen found time to serve on various boards, including the Minto United Church Board, University of Regina Board of Governors, Citizens All, and the Moose Jaw Museum and Gallery Board.  She became a member of PEO, a philanthropic organization to provide scholarships for women to pursue secondary education, a cause dear to her heart.  She remained a PEO member until her passing.  Retirement also allowed Kathleen and Gus to travel extensively, whether to see the world or visit their children and grandchildren across Canada.  

Kathleen’s journey through life gave her the opportunity to meet, work, and become good friends with people from many parts of the world and walks of life.  She found great joy in these friendships, and they were a great comfort to her after Gus’s passing.  Kathleen would want us all to be kind to each other, be kind to strangers, and read to children every chance you get.  

Also, “Don’t swear and brush your teeth”. (Advice to her sons when leaving home, whether for a week or a year)

She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Margaret Stephenson; brothers, Richard (Margaret) Stephenson; and husband, Gus.  Kathleen will be lovingly remembered by her sons: Richard (Laurie) Froese, Robert Froese, and Kirby (Crystal) Froese; and grandchildren, Ashley (Heather) Jakubow and Stephen (Jazz).  

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Zion United Church, 423 Main St N in Moose Jaw.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Kathleen’s name may be made to P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter A, 47 Bluebell Cres, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1A1.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550