Frances Hoffman, February 19, 1920 – August 9, 2012.
Frances Alma (Neuberger) Hoffman passed away peacefully Thursday, August 9, 2012 at the Davidson Health Centre at the age of 92.
Frances was the first born to John and Helen Neuberger and raised in the Wyandotte district east of Hanley with her three brothers. Frances married Delbert Hoffman of Kenaston on October 22, 1943. They raised two children on their farm in the Allan Hills district east of Hanley. In 1956 the family moved to Kenaston and took over the telephone exchange and Del became the rural lineman. In 1946 Del became an agent for Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Frances continued selling until 1992. Frances was an avid reader, always learning through the Elderhostel programs – history, art, poetry, archaeology, aboriginal culture and photography.
She was a skilled seamstress and helped with the 4H sewing program. She was a contact for community college classes where she learned many crafts, painting, macramÄ, batik, photography, making wood clocks and rock tumbling from her collected driftwood and rock collection. She made sure her grandchildren were exposed to art by taking them to the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon; to the U of S observatory to see the stars and taught them bread making. Frances enjoyed going to the Saskatoon Symphony, the ballet and musical shows. She learned to curl, golf, swim and drive the combine. She was a member of the Kenaston seniors.
Frances’ greatest passion was travel. Delbert and her travelled many times into Mexico, the United States and Canada. After Delbert’s passing, Frances continued her travels to many parts of the world. She walked on the Great Wall of China, rode a camel in front of the pyramids in Egypt, saw penguins on the southern tip of Argentina; the music and architecture of Austria-Hungary, the Acropolis of Athens and saw the icebergs and polar bears in the high Arctic. She loved her Elderhostel trips to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Chaco Canyon and Albuquerque. At age 70 she spent one week tenting and white-water rafting on the Nahanni River, NWT and wondered not long ago if she could do that again.
Frances moved into Primrose Chateau in Saskatoon in 1992 where she enjoyed playing cribbage, the bus outings and her all important morning coffee. In April of 2010 Frances moved to the Davidson Health Centre among the kind, teasing and caring staff. She enjoyed coffee, music and the car rides out into the country. Her last ride was to Jeanette and Bill’s 50th anniversary.
Frances was predeceased by her husband Delbert (1987), parents John (1947) Helen (Linder) (1983) Neuberger, her three brothers John and Grace, Albert, Margaret and Ina Mae, Herbert and Doris, her three sisters-in-law Leona and Gus Nygard, Esther and Irwin Lundy, Jenece and Leonard Singbeil, nephew Darryl Neuberger and her two special friends Nita Tweet and Joan Greggersen.
Frances is survived by daughter Jeanette and Bill Holder, son Albert and Joanne Hoffmann all of Kenaston; six grandchildren Rob and Cathy Holder, Johanna and Jamie Branigan, Tim and Vickie Holder, Brad Hoffmann, Blair and Pam Hoffmann, Alison and Rob Kraft, thirteen great-grandchildren – Amanda Holder, Brett Holder (Kristin), Shayne and Holly Branigan, Logan, Jorden and Brandon Holder, Avery, Teah and Faith Hoffmann, Connor, Reese and Kaylea Kraft, nieces, nephews and friend Pearl Holder.
A celebration of life was held on August 28, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Kenaston Place, Pastor Gene Whitehead officiated. At the register was her niece Judy Leswick, ushers were Clark Tweet and Cindy Carss. Urn bearers were grandson Rob Holder and Albert Hoffmann.
Grandchildren Johanna, Tim, Brad, Blair and Alison paid tribute to grandma by recalling her teaching how to look at the arts, nature, the northern lights and the prairie sky; appreciating those times they went for a swim, baking in her kitchen, going to the art gallery or just a drive. Always admiring the beauty of nature. They all had many special memories. “Do you want to go for a drive?”
Great-granddaughter Holly chose to play Cello Suite 1 by J.S. Bach. Johanna and Shayne prepared a PowerPoint presentation. A medley of favourite music was chosen, including Ava Maria by Nana Moskouri and Danny Boy by Mario Lanza.
Interment was in the Kenaston community cemetery. The Kenaston seniors served lunch. Hanson’s Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be directed to Kenaston Seniors Inc., Kenaston Cemetery Fund or donor’s choice.
A service of remembrance was held at the Davidson Health Centre on August 31. Johanna Branigan of Pickering, Ontario gave her tribute to her grandmother and great-granddaughter Holly played several cello selections.