Frances Fran M. Zibert Schultz

Frances M. nee Zibert. Age 81. Beloved wife of Ray.

Loving mother of Mary Ann (Ed) Partyka, Barb (Larry) Block, Bill (Therese) Schultz, Diane (Don) Sweigert, Linda Schultz and Laurie (Paul) Stanczak.

Treasured grandmother of Mike and Julie Partyka, Billy Ray Block, Olivia, Matthew, Thomas and Mary Frances Schultz, Emily, Kim and Alyssa Stanczak.

Devoted daughter of the late Frank and Frances Zibert. Dear sister of Dorothy (the late Stanley) Stefanski, Theresa (the late Ken) Johnson, the late Frank “Lefty” (Geri) and the late Edward “Eggsa” (the late Lil) Zibert.

Aunt to many and a friend to all.

Proud member of SWU Br. 99, KSKJ and St. Anthony Hospital Nursing Alumni WSA #33.

Lying in state Thursday from 10 am until time of Mass at 11am at St, Mary’s Slovene Catholic Mission Church, 14246 Main Street, Lemont, IL.

Visitation: Wed. from 3 to 8 pm at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home, 11333 S. Central Ave. Oak Lawn, IL.

Cremation private.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Mary’s.

Please celebrate Fran’s life at www.chapelhillgardenssouth.com.

708-636-1200.

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FRANCES M. SCHULTZ

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Frances M. Schultz. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Fran was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Fran was born on September 8,1929 in her home in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of Frances & Frank Zibert. Fran was raised in Chicago, IL. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Fran was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Fran's personality throughout her life.

Though Fran was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Fran was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Fran worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Fran was raised with 4 siblings. She had two brothers, Frank "Lefty", and Edward "Eggsa". Two sisters Dorothy & Theresa. Fran and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Fran was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Fran was always tactful. One thing Fran will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Fran had a number of interests and was an active child. Fran took part in neighborhood games like kick the can, rollerskating and baseball. She was a Girl Scout. In her spare time she liked to talk a lot, she spoke in three languages by the age of 5. Frances' memorable achievements were she enjoyed school and did very well, she went on to become a nurse, which was her life long dream.

For Fran, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Fran was also adept at details. Fran was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Was a member of the National Honor Society.

College can be a challenge, but Fran appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Fran had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Fran enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her Nursing Degree at St Anthony DePadua Hospital School of Nursing in 1950. She also pursued graduate school at DePaul University. Frances graduated the premature training course at Micheal Reese Hospital. Frances was the first in her family to further her education as she pursued her nursing degree.

There was one thing that all of Fran's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Fran was such a popular person throughout her life. But Fran was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Fran was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Fran was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Fran was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Fran was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Fran made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Betty Szot, Millie Bulaga, Gene Harazin, Ann Germaine, Lavergne Swab, Rosemary Tomazin, Laurie Fencel, Ann Batersby, Jo Pucel, Delores Nauheimer, Aggie Russell, Millie Zoliker & Dee Korin just to name a few. Later in life, she became friends with Ron & Barb Mondschein, Ken & Nellie Schuman, Harriet Macudzinski, Barry & Jan Gorden, Irene Folz, Gert Peterson, Jim Adduci & Stefanka from Slovenian school.

Fran was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Fran cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Fran worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Fran and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Fran was blessed with 6 children, MaryAnn, Barbara, William, Diane, Linda & Laura. They were also blessed with 10 grandchildren, Billy Ray, Micheal, Julie, Olivia, Matthew, Thomas, Mary, Emily, Kimberly & Alyssa. Fran was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Fran was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Fran would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Fran, and she expected the same from those around her. Fran was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Fran was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Fran handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a Nurse. She was employed at St Anthony Hospital in Chicago, IL. After moving to MI in 1980, she continued her nursing career at St Anthony Hospital in Michigan City, IN. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Fran enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were knitting, crocheting, painting, gambling, wood refinishing and tracing the family tree and watching her grandchildren.

Fran was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Fran was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Fran also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Basketball & Baseball.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Fran to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Fran did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn't’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Frances was a Girl Scout Leader, an active member of the Slovenian Womens Union Branch 99, Sparkler for New Buffalo Fire Fighters, KSKJ, Western Slavonic & St Anthony's Nurses Alumni.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Fran well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member St Stephan's Alter & Rosary Society and the Slovenian Cultural Center. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Fran accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Fran was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Mother of The Year.

Not only did Fran enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Slovenia.

Fran was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was She had a variety of dogs, her favorite was Cora.

Since it was easy for Fran to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. In retirement, she continued to enjoy all the hobbies she previously had and included spoiling grandchildren. Even in retirement, Fran stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Fran passed away on January 15, 2011 at home surrounded by her loving family after her brave fight with cancer. She is survived by Raymond,her beloved husband of 59 1/2 years.Her cherished children Mary Ann (Ed) Partyka, Barb (Larry) Block, Bill (Therese) Schultz, Diane (Don) Sweigert, Linda Schultz and Laurie (Paul) Stanczak. Her treasured grandchildren Mike and Julie Partyka, Billy Ray Block, Olivia, Matthew, Thomas and Mary Frances Schultz, Emily, Kim and Alyssa Stanczak. Her dear sister's of Dorothy Stefanski, Theresa Johnson, and sister-in-law Geri Zibert. And the many special nieces,nephews,cousins and friends.

Services were held at St. Mary's Slovene Catholic Mission Church in Lemont , Illinois. Fran was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery.

Fran was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Fran was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Frances M. Schultz. xoxo