Obituary for Frances Elizabeth Schmitt (Abele)
Troy - Fran left for heaven from Van Rensselaer Manor in Troy, on February 22, 2021 to join her beloved, recently deceased husband of 55 ½ years, Frank Schmitt. She was supported by devoted daughter, Colleen Schmitt of Clifton Park (Chris Schild). She will also reunite with her grandson, Caden Schmitt Schild, her parents, Irene and Harry Abele, and her brothers, Harry Jr and Jack. Besides being able to see her beloved pets, she will rejoice to see her dearest friends whom were family, Mary G, Gloria D, Gert A, Sue W and Mabel M.
Besides Colleen and Chris, Fran is survived by her granddaughter, Chloe Schmitt Schild, daughter Marlene Schmitt Colclough (Rick Colclough) of Guilderland, in-laws Al Schmitt, Marty Denninger and Margaret Abele, dear nieces and nephews, godchildren, and cherished friends, Josie B and Shirley N, among others. Fran will also miss grandson Vadim, who she and Frank wished they could witness coming home from across the world.
Fran was born in Menands NY, growing up on the family farm in Island Park with her parents and brothers. When Fran talks about her childhood, she reminisces about work on a farm and the family not having indoor plumbing or electricity until she was in 3rd grade. Fran never stopped describing herself as “Just an ol’ farmgirl”. Despite that, Fran joined the Women’s Army Corp, proudly serving her country for 3 years, attaining the rank of sergeant and receiving the National Defense Service Medal. Fran had various assignments but the most memorable was in Naples, Italy, and when on leave, she independently traveled Europe. After discharge, Fran received a Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Degree in Education from SUNY Albany then taught at Mildred Elley. After marrying, she and Frank moved to Loudonville where they raised their daughters among great neighbors on Patten Drive. She spent the rest of her career managing the family businesses, Clover Leaf Nurseries and Island Park Landscaping. Fran’s favorite pastime was spending time with family, friends, and pets, and volunteering. She spent many hours helping Wildwood Programs, for whom she helped run the annual Flower and Garden Show, and won the Volunteer of the Year Award.
To know Fran was to love Fran. Fran made friends wherever she went, with impromptu meetings turning into lifelong friendships with people all over the country. Fran made everyone feel included and took care of so many people besides her mother, spouse and daughters. Fran was well known for: always being cold, being a worrier, and loving to eat. Loved ones teased that she must have hollow legs as, despite her love of buffets, she didn’t gain weight. She enjoyed domestic trips with friends and family trips to Cape Cod and in later years, to their small retirement home at Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach. Fran was an active participant in her Catholic faith, being a member of St Joan of Arc and St Pius X. Memoriams may be directed to Wildwood Programs, Latham NY or to Latham School, Brewster, MA.
COVID restrictions allow a safely distanced funeral Mass to be celebrated at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Watervliet, on Saturday February 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ed Deimeke officiating. All are invited to visit with Fran’s family for an hour before the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.
Besides Colleen and Chris, Fran is survived by her granddaughter, Chloe Schmitt Schild, daughter Marlene Schmitt Colclough (Rick Colclough) of Guilderland, in-laws Al Schmitt, Marty Denninger and Margaret Abele, dear nieces and nephews, godchildren, and cherished friends, Josie B and Shirley N, among others. Fran will also miss grandson Vadim, who she and Frank wished they could witness coming home from across the world.
Fran was born in Menands NY, growing up on the family farm in Island Park with her parents and brothers. When Fran talks about her childhood, she reminisces about work on a farm and the family not having indoor plumbing or electricity until she was in 3rd grade. Fran never stopped describing herself as “Just an ol’ farmgirl”. Despite that, Fran joined the Women’s Army Corp, proudly serving her country for 3 years, attaining the rank of sergeant and receiving the National Defense Service Medal. Fran had various assignments but the most memorable was in Naples, Italy, and when on leave, she independently traveled Europe. After discharge, Fran received a Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Degree in Education from SUNY Albany then taught at Mildred Elley. After marrying, she and Frank moved to Loudonville where they raised their daughters among great neighbors on Patten Drive. She spent the rest of her career managing the family businesses, Clover Leaf Nurseries and Island Park Landscaping. Fran’s favorite pastime was spending time with family, friends, and pets, and volunteering. She spent many hours helping Wildwood Programs, for whom she helped run the annual Flower and Garden Show, and won the Volunteer of the Year Award.
To know Fran was to love Fran. Fran made friends wherever she went, with impromptu meetings turning into lifelong friendships with people all over the country. Fran made everyone feel included and took care of so many people besides her mother, spouse and daughters. Fran was well known for: always being cold, being a worrier, and loving to eat. Loved ones teased that she must have hollow legs as, despite her love of buffets, she didn’t gain weight. She enjoyed domestic trips with friends and family trips to Cape Cod and in later years, to their small retirement home at Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach. Fran was an active participant in her Catholic faith, being a member of St Joan of Arc and St Pius X. Memoriams may be directed to Wildwood Programs, Latham NY or to Latham School, Brewster, MA.
COVID restrictions allow a safely distanced funeral Mass to be celebrated at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Watervliet, on Saturday February 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ed Deimeke officiating. All are invited to visit with Fran’s family for an hour before the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.