Frances (Heck) Schmunk

Frances Schmunk, age 96, passed away on February 2, 2023 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

She was born on September 9, 1926 to John and Mary (Selinger) Heck at the family farm east of Liebenthal, Saskatchewan. Frances was the fifth of six daughters – Elizabeth (Betty) Bischoff, Monica (Minnie) McConnell, Barbara Wagner, Lydia Getz, and Erma Wagner.

Frances married Dave Schmunk Jr. on July 5, 1952. Together they raised four children – Dalton (Tesha), Donna Zubot, David (Deirdre), and Douglas (Terri).

Family was very important to Francie. She was actively involved in their children’s activities including hockey, softball and 4-H. She took pleasure visiting her sisters and their families, and Dave’s siblings and families, whether it be to celebrate an event or to help out on the farm. Food played a huge role in family meals and gatherings, keeping traditions alive through special dishes like strudels, kuchen, cream chicken, pickled ribs, sauerkraut, fresh bread and more.

Grandchildren meant the world to Francie; they were treated to quality time and spoiled as much as possible. She was so proud of their many accomplishments and attended their events whenever possible.

Faith was a guiding force in Francie’s life. She regularly attended and participated in mass. She was a charter member of Leader’s Catholic Women’s League (CWL) when it began in 1959. She held seven positions during 40 of her 64 years as a member. Ever a faithful servant, she never missed a function.

Francie took pride in farming with Dave; she drove the swather for many years and delivered meals to the field during busy seasons. In later years, she especially enjoyed crop tours with Dave.

Together, they planted a large garden out at the farm, as well as over 100 spruce trees, and fruit trees/shrubs of all kinds. Many hours were spent tending the garden, picking and processing the harvest to be enjoyed through the winter. A favorite was chokecherry jam and syrup.

Francie’s real passion was flowers; her flowerbeds and baskets flourished with blooms beautifying their yard in town every year. In her later years, she willingly helped to establish and tend to the flower beds on the boulevards of Main Street. Perhaps her second passion, a love of pretty things, was apparent in how impeccably she was turned out in the latest fashions and footwear.

There was always time for friends. Dave and Francie were part of a couples’ Sunday-night bridge group; she was an integral member of a ladies’ bridge group as well. (Houses polished, fancy food prepared, ladies dressed up and cocktails served – bridge was NEVER cancelled.) She and a group of friends participated in a Christmas cookie exchange for 30 years.

The Friendship Centre provided a gathering place for visiting, cards, and events. Francie was a long-time member, sitting on the executive and leading programs such as seniors’ exercises. She will be remembered for dressing up as a clown for the Wild West Days parades, and helping serve the famed Grebble – a tradition that continues to this day.

Francie was an avid curler, taking part in numerous ladies and mixed bonspiels. She and Dave especially enjoyed cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays from the comfort of their living room.

In addition to family responsibilities, Francie worked as a nurse’s aide at Prelate Hospital and the first Leader Hospital for a time. Volunteering was just something she did her entire life; organizations included the library, the recreation department, and the Western Senior Citizens’ Home.

In the fall of 2014, Francie made the move to Medicine Hat, living at the Masterpiece River Ridge Seniors Village, and then the Good Samaritan South Ridge Village.

Francie will be fondly remembered by her children and their partners; her grandchildren – Justin and Stephen Schmunk, Jesse (Siku) Zubot, Josh Zubot, Theresa (Adam) Baker, Braeden (Julia) Schmunk, Michaela (Joe) Clarke, Trevin Schmunk, Sierra and Sawyer Schmunk; her great-grandchildren – Klee Zubot, Abigael and McKinley Baker, and Harlow Clarke; and many special nieces and nephews.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, as well as Dave’s. Francie was also predeceased by her son-in-law Orville Zubot, and daughter-in-law Sherry Schmunk.

The funeral mass will be held in Leader’s Little Flower Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 21 at 1 p.m. with Fr. Prince Owusu Sarpong celebrant. Interment will follow the lunch in a private family graveside service. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.binkleysfuneralservice.com.

Donations may be made to the Leader Cemetery Fund, c/o Town of Leader, Box 39, Leader, SK S0N 1H0. You’re invited to further honor Francie by performing a Random Act of Kindness (RAK), or by becoming an organ donor at www.givelifesask.ca.

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