Froese, Kathleen May
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
Kirby Crystel sending you my condolences to you and your family
My deep condolences to Rob, Kirby, Rich and families. Kathleen was gifted at teaching and at living well. A gentle, honest and kind human being. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service but I will be thinking of her with deep affection.
To Kathleen’s Family; We send our sincere condolences to each of you. We knew Kathleen and Gus from Minto church. Always enjoyed visiting with her. We hope your many wonderful memories will ease your sadness.
Awe, Kathleen impacted many many lives. Her kindness and wit kept us in awe of her.
Her Memory will forever remain with all whom had been blessed by her life.
Thinking of the families and extended friends.
To Robert, Richard, Kirby and other members of the Froese family, I, on behalf of the Halstead family Neal, Sara and my late wife Peggy (who incidentally passed on the same day 5 years ago) wish to send our sincerest condolences. We were all privileged to know Kathleen. Her commitment to family, education and the community of Moose Jaw will be felt long after her passing.
David Halstead
Your mom was an exceptional person! We will remember her kindness and friendship.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time of grief.
Deepest sympathy to the Froese families. We were fortunate to know Kathleen as a neighbor, a teacher to our son, and a friend.
She was a wonderful lady who will be missed by all.
Kirby and family, so sorry for your loss, condolences.
Our Deepest Condolences to all of Mrs. Froese’s loved ones. She taught my daughter at Palliser. My daughter adored her as did my husband and myself. She was a super involved with her students. Her style of teaching is missed. Sincerley Cliff and Doris Dunlop
Kirk & Crystal, sad to hear of your loss. Your parents were remarkable in so many ways and left a huge impact on our community. Sincere thoughts & prayer.
Our condolences to the family of this wonderful woman. I had the pleasure of working with her and my kids enjoyed having her as a teacher.
I was so sorry to hear of Kay’s death. She was a very kind and caring neighbour to my mother-in-law, Edith Gunningham. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Our deepest sympathy is expressed to Kathleen’s family on her recent passing. Kathleen and Gus were old friends from our years spent in Saskatoon when Gus and Bob were attending classes at U. of S. and Kathleen and I were both teaching at the same school. We lived 1/2 block apart and while the men walked to the university, Kathleen and I drove to the extreme west side of the city where we both taught together for two years. Kathleen was a happy, personable young woman and a wonderful primary teacher. We kept in contact over the years sharing news and stories about our lives and our children’s activities.
May she rest in peace, reunited with Gus. Doreen and Bob Mitchell (REGINA, SK.).
Dear the Froese Family,
Sad news to hear of the death of Kathleen. Sending my sincere condolences. I will pass along this news to my mom Nettie.
Yours very sincerely,
Myrna
our deepest condolences to the faily,
My sincere sympathy to Rich, Rob, Kirby and family. I was in UCW with your Mom at Minto. Remember her with love in your hearts, talk about her to others.
Our deepest sympathies Kirby,Crystal and to all the families on the loss of Kathleen.Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.