Frances Ellenore Schoenroth
Frances Ellenore Schoenroth (née: Lowe) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10th, 2020 at West Park Crossing in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
She was predeceased by her husband, Edward Schoenroth (May 2012); brother, George Lowe; sister, Winifred McDonough; as well as her parents and many additional family members.
Fran is survived by her sons, Arthur (Rita) Schoenroth and Gary (Karen) Schoenroth; special niece, Eileen Truitt; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their families.
Fran was born to Ernest and Ellen Lowe on December 4th, 1924 in the Baildon, SK area. She started her education at Cataraqui School in the rural area, then completed her high school at Central Collegiate in Moose Jaw. Fran entered nurse’s training at the Moose Jaw General Hospital in 1944. Unfortunately she contracted tuberculosis during this time, resulting in a year of convalescence at Fort San near Fort Qu’Appelle, SK. She returned to her training at the General Hospital, graduating with her RN status in 1947.
Fran and Ed met while he was a patient in hospital. They were married on September 19th, 1947, taking up residence in a small apartment in downtown Moose Jaw until 1949 when they moved into the house they built and lived in up to the time of Ed’s passing.
Fran continued to work at the General Hospital through the years that the facility grew and evolved into the Union Hospital. She adapted to many changes in nursing practices and medical advances over the course of her career, which she loved and was very dedicated to. Fran achieved the position of Head Nurse of the Medical Floor, electing to retire from the hospital in 1984. Fran spoke fondly of the years that she worked for Dr. Miller in his office following retirement from the hospital. She also worked for a short stint in the office at C & E prior to Ed’s retirement.
Fran has recounted many stories and events revolving around friendships and social connections such as the Nurses Glee Club. She and Ed lived very close to the hospital and they hosted many meals, bbq’s and overnight guests with connections to the hospital. Many of Fran’s nursing peers and their spouses became life time friends to both of them. Evenings of playing cards, square dancing and visits with extended family balanced out long hours of work at the hospital for Fran and many cold late night service calls for Ed. They entertained friends and family in their cozy home with the tiny kitchen, where, we were told many nurses felt comfortable and welcome in their home.
Fran was a most devoted wife, waiting up to make sure Ed returned from late night emergency work, fussing over his health, or sitting in a vehicle reading as she waited for him to complete a service call. She had stated many times that she and Ed had never once had a quarrel or argument. In their later working years, Fran accompanied Ed on business travel as often as her hospital duties would allow. These trips lead to the building of many additional long lasting friendships across Canada and the USA. For several years they were able to spend time in the condo in Maui. The two of them were rarely separated and there was nothing they liked better than going out for a drive, usually with a stop for ice cream! With declining health, they spent winter weeks in Victoria enjoying the company of close friends George and Ruth Durie and visits with her special cousin Lawrie and his wife Shirlely. After Ed’s passing, Fran spent several years at the Mulberry Estates where again, cards and social interaction with others helped to fill the void left by Ed’s absence.
The past year had been fraught with health setbacks, resulting in time spent in hospital and a move to West Park Crossing, where she spent her final days. It was during one of her hospital stays that the impact and far reaching influence of Fran’s ability and integrity as a nurse was revealed to her children. Several currently practicing nurses recognized her and would relate working experiences where “Mrs. Schoenroth” had first hired them as a student nurse, been their best teacher or taught them how to do procedures efficiently, and how they appreciated that Fran had been a great Head Nurse who treated everyone fairly and with dignity. Fran had a hard time recalling some of the names and faces but she would be gracious, conversational and kind, later to ponder about just who that person was!
Fran’s family would like to thank the Arbor staff at West Park Crossing for the compassionate care and attention that she was given. Thanks to the local administration staff: Jeff for prompt responses to any concerns we had, and to Donna for the texts, phone calls and Face Time video chats with Fran when we were unable to visit her in person. We are especially grateful to Dr Rininsland. Fran could not have asked for a more attentive physician. Thank you for everything that you did for her over the many decades that she was your patient.
A Private Family Gathering will be held to honor Fran and lay her to rest beside Ed at Sunset Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Fran may make a donation in her name to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom.
A lovely lady and excellent head nurse. I enjoyed working for her and she taught me a lot . My condolences to her family and many friends and colleagues.
thoughts and prayers for all of you at this time of sorrow. Remember the good times and She will always be with you. Enjoyed talking with her anytime that I saw her and She was always interested in what was happening in my life.
Gary & Karen and families
I was very sorry to hear of your mothers passing Gary. Dad and I were just speaking of her the other day and he was wondering how she was doing. It was always his intentions to try to get in touch with her as there weren’t very many of that generation left and he wanted to reconnect, but he’s been dealing with his own health issues as of late, so unfortunately that idea got pushed by the wayside. I know he will feel this loss as it was something that he really wanted to do. I will let him know this very sad news, and I’m sure he, along with myself & Jeff, would like to pass along our deepest condolences to you and the family.
Bonnie Trumbley
Gary and family
So sorry to hear about Frans passing. Her and dad were at the mulberry and westpark at the same time. Mom and her were good friends with the nursing and after retirement. She was a lovely lady. Deepest sympathy .
My deepest condolences to family and friends Hugs to Art and Gary
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Schoenroth families on the passing of Fran. We reflect on many fond memories of past times spent with Ed & Fran . Wayne & Helen Clayton
Gary and family … Sending our deepest condolences in the passing of your mom. Cherish your memories. Janet & Rob Adams
Sorry to hear about your mom always had a good time talking to her
My sincerest sympathies to the family. It has been many years since I have seen or talked to Fran. My father was the “C” of C&E Plumbing and Heating. Marilynne Martin. (Young)
Dear Gary and Karen, sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I loved reading of her accomplishments and it made me feel like I knew her. Losing a mom is always hard. Mom’s always seem to keep people and things together. Adele and Fred
Gary, Karen and family,
I’m so sorry to here of Frans passing. It sounds like she had a happy and fulfilling life. My heart goes out to you all.
Sincere condolences to Karen, Gary & entire Schoenroth family! Fran was first head nurse to me and many others! I can tell you she kept us on the straight & narrow!She was kind, compassionate and greatly admired! We were fortunate to have her guidance!
Sincere condolences to Art, and family, and Gary, and family. Cherish the memories.
Gary, Karen and Family; We send our deepest condolences on your Mom’s/Grandma’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Gary & Karen, Art & Rita, and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Your mom / grandma was an amazing lady, and we warmly remember great times and lots of laughs while visiting with Fran, Ed and your family. Thank you for sharing some lovely memories, and we know she enjoyed her many life-long friendships.
With sincere sympathy,
Lori & Gord
Gary, Karen and families. Thinking of you in the loss of your mom and grandma with love and prayers. Carole
Gary and Karen. So sorry to hear about your mom. Lovely lady. Take care Evelyn Kerr
Fran was an amazing lady! Her kind heart and quiet smile will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Gary, our condolences to you and your family on Fran’s passing. She will be missed as much as mom Schock is.