Sr. Frances Schnurr, OSE

After almost 70 years of faithful service as a dedicated religious, it pleased God to welcome Sr. Frances Schnurr, OSE to eternal life on July 9, 2015 after a brief illness. Frances was born in Allan, SK to Frances (Pflieger) and Wendeline Schnurr on October 29, 1924, the ninth child in a family of fifteen. Frances attended the Separate School in Allan until she was 14 when her mother became ill and she was needed at home. Later she did domestic work in the area to help pay the doctor's bills. At the age of 19, Frances entered St. Elizabeth's Convent in Humboldt, SK where she received the name Sr. Margaret of the Sacred Countenance, but in 1972 she changed back to her baptismal name of Sr. Frances. Sr. Frances pronounced her religious vows on October 8, 1946 and celebrated her 50th anniversary in 1996. Sr. Frances served the community as a local superior in both mission houses and the Motherhouse in Humboldt, and as a cook and baker for 53 plus years spending some time in most of the congregation's missions as well as at the Motherhouse in Humboldt. From 1973-1976 she was employed with Saskatoon Family Service which involved visiting homes, helping with domestic work and babysitting. From 1977-1978 Sr. Frances attended Newman Theological College in Edmonton and then continued working in the kitchen at her favorite mission, St. Frances Retreat House in Cochrane, AB. Sr. Frances learned to play the organ over the years and played for community Eucharist and other services. After she moved to Columbian Manor in 2012, she played the organ there for several years. Her main hobbies included sewing, mending and patching. Her Sisters in community remember Sr. Frances' deep faith and prayer life, her love of life and genial spirit. In spite of major health problems, she continued to serve the Sisters at the Motherhouse as a seamstress and chauffer. In her last illness, Sr. Frances expressed her readiness to die so she could be with the Lord whom she loved. Sr. Frances was predeceased by her parents Wendeline and Frances; her family members Margaret and Joe Martin, Cecilia and Nick Beblow, Joe and Victoria Schnurr, Christine and George King, Wilhemina Schnurr, Barbara and Rollie Walsh, Louis and Eleonore Schnurr, Wendeline Schnurr, Ned and Clair Schnurr, John Schnurr, George Schnurr, Val Saretsky, Irene and George Goetholz and Bill Stinson. She is lovingly remembered by her Sisters in community; her sisters Mary Saretsky and Veronica Stinson; her sisters-in-law Eleanore Schnurr and Betty Schnurr. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13th at St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church (1902 Munroe Ave South) with Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB as celebrant. Rite of Committal will take place at 4:00 p.m. in the Sisters of St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Humboldt, SK. Arrangements in care of John Schachtel - MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (306-978-5200)