MARGARET FRANZ

1922 - 2011

Margaret Franz, beloved wife of the late John Franz, passed away in Lethbridge on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the age of 89 years.
A private family service will be held and Margaret will be buried with her late husband John at the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.
She is survived by her son Walter (Ruth) Franz of Lethbridge; her grandchildren and great grandchildren Dawn (Doug) Willms and children Crystal & Cody, Lyle (Merry) Franz and children Thaniel & Edward, Gene Franz, Jennifer (Chris) Siddle and children Mattais & Keenan.
She was predeceased by her husband John Franz, daughter Adina Franz and her parents Henry & Helena Fast.
Margaret was born in Russia to Henry & Helena Kast on February 16, 1922. She came to Canada with her parents and younger brother Henry at the age of seven, eventually settling in the Vauxhall area. She met and married John Franz. Together they farmed until 1958 when they moved into Vauxhall where she held a number of housekeeping jobs, providing child care for some. This she enjoyed very much. In 1966 they moved to Didsbury to become house parents at M.B.I. One of her responsibilities there was cooking for the students. 1967 saw them moving to Abbotsford, British Columbia where again they were house parents and Margaret took up cooking duties. Her sense of humour and her caring way led some of the students to keep in touch with her. In 1968 after the Bible school closure, Margaret & John moved to Coaldale to work in the Altenheim (old folks home). Here she cooked and looked after the needs of the residents. Again she developed long time friendships. She then worked for Eatons where she cooked in the cafeteria. Margaret stayed in this position until she felt it important to remain at home and look after her parents.
Margaret’s faith was strong and so church activities were very important to her. One story told recently by a former student recounted that a car doubled for a Sunday school classroom. Besides teaching she could often be found cooking, sewing, crocheting, knitting or some form of hospitality role.
Whether church related or just family and friends dropping by, the doors to her home were always open and something was always on the table.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Margaret’s name may be made directly to the MCC Alberta, 210, 2946 - 32 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6J7, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7 or to the charity of one’s personal choosing.
The family would like to thank the staff at both the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale and the Legacy Lodge in Lethbridge for the outstanding care provided to their mom and grandma while she made her home there. Also a special thanks is extended to the EMT’s, emergency doctors, nurses and the nursing staff on the fourth floor at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their care and compassion to Margaret and her family during her last hours.