Obituary of Frances J. Schmitt

Swimming and Diving TeacherFrances Josephine Schmitt1/31/19 - 3/07/08of Vestal Frances Josephine Schmitt (McKean), 89, of Vestal, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 7, 2008, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Clarence McKean. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 55 years, George. Fran was a mother to nine children, Evelyn, Carole, Billy, David, Peter, Tom, Paul, Andy and Jimmy; she also had 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Frannie is also survived by her sister and husband, Alice and Ed Tunnecliffe; and sister-in-law and husband, Joan S. and Norman H. Jacobs. Her blessings are scattered all around this country. She was a graduate of the Nursing School of the Massachusetts General Hospital and her nursing skills came in handy taking care of all of the scrapes, bumps and bruises that come with raising children. She is fondly remembered by her many swimming and diving students whom she taught for many years at Vestal Senior High School. After retirement and even in her later years, she often met those who spoke warmly to her and said, "Mrs. Schmitt, Hello, you taught me how to swim at Vestal High." She was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in Vestal, and was an avid gardener who loved to make her prized roses bloom. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church, Vestal, corner of Main St. and Hazel, with the Rev. Lawrence Hendrix officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Frances Schmitt Scholarship for Swimming and Diving, c/o Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 959, Vestal, N.Y. 13851. The family would like to thank the caregivers of Broome County for all of their love and support. Arrangements are by the Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, Vestal."How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach..."