Frances A. Crain

Mrs. Frances Ann Crain (née Buck), 92, of Rosendale, passed away peacefully and into the arms of the Lord in the afternoon on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at LakeHouse Fond du Lac. Frances was born on 11 July 1932 at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, WI, to Charles Foster Buck and Lydia Eleanor Buck (née Lang), the youngest child of four children. Raised in Menasha, WI, Frances was baptized and received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation at St. Mary’s Parish in Menasha. She also attended St. Mary’s Central Catholic High School where she studied with her most cherished, lifelong friends, graduating in 1950. Following high school, she matriculated to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where she worked her way through college and received many university degrees, including her bachelor’s degrees in history and English in 1954 and her master’s degree in education in 1967. Also while enrolled at UW-Oshkosh, she met her future husband, Ralph Mark Crain, Jr., while playing oboe in the university wind ensemble, eventually marrying him at St. Mary’s in Menasha in August 1955 and teaching alongside him for many years. Over the course of five decades beginning in the 1950s, Frances was a dedicated educator at the secondary and middle school levels, starting her career in 1954 at Brandon High School and then shortly thereafter moving to Rosendale High School where she taught numerous subjects. Her influence extended outside the classroom, too, as she was actively involved in many extracurricular student activities like theater, athletics, yearbook, and music. Frances briefly left teaching to concentrate on raising her son, Timothy Mark, but returned to teach math and science at St. Patrick’s School, Fond du Lac, upon the death of her husband in March 1977. From there she took one final position at Rosendale Middle School in the very same room she taught in at Rosendale High School, teaching Language Arts until her retirement in 1994. Upon retiring, she became a member of the Retired Educators of Fond du Lac, serving on many committees for the organization. Education was her passion in life, and no one was more dedicated to her profession than she was. She leaves behind a legacy of countless students (including her son) and their descendants in Rosendale and surrounding communities. Outside of her professional life, Frances was actively involved as a volunteer in charitable organizations in the community of Rosendale and others. Most notably, she served on the Rosendale Village Board in various capacities for 22 years. She was a founding member of the Volunteer Center in Fond du Lac, serving as secretary and treasurer. In Rosendale, she was a founding member, treasurer, and member of the board of directors of the Rosendale Historical Society. Frances also volunteered on Friday afternoons for many years with Broken Bread Food Pantry in Fond du Lac, distributing groceries to those in need. She also spent time as a community volunteer at Tower View Assisted Living in Rosendale. Frances loved the communities of Rosendale and Eldorado and the neighborly way everyone looked out for one another. Above all, Frances lived her Christianity with her lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith and her service work to the larger Christian community. While living in Rosendale, Frances was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s and St. John’s Parish in Eldorado and Woodhull (now incorporated into Holy Family of Fond du Lac). When St. Mary’s was closed in 1997 she served as the last trustee of the parish. She remained as sexton of the cemetery until her health did not permit her to continue. She regularly participated as a Eucharistic minister, Liturgical reader, and the Confirmation catechist in the parishes. Frances also was a member of the church council for Our Risen Savior Parish, the Bereavement Society, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Frances enjoyed her many other passions in life. Perhaps what she will be most remembered for are her remarkable handstitched quilts, but she was also a skilled knitter, crocheter, and rug maker. She taught these crafts and made quilts and sweaters for the Christ Child Society, as well. Frances also was an avid traveler. Her family, however, gave her the most joy. Frances is survived by her only child, Dr. Timothy Mark Crain, of Tyngsboro, MA, and her two beloved granddaughters, Ava Marguerite Frances Crain, 16, and Charlotte Elizabeth Crain, 13, also of Tyngsboro, MA. Nothing gave Frances more pleasure than watching her granddaughters grow and succeed in their young lives. She is preceded in death by both her parents, her three brothers and sisters-in-law: Alan (Mary Jane), George, and Charles (Joyce) Buck, her father and mother-in law: Ralph Mark Crain, Sr., and Esther Crain (née Yanke), her brothers and sisters-in law and their spouses: Virginia, Robert (June), Donald (Gladys), Mary (G. Howard) Schroeder, Patricia, Richard, and James (Margot): and several other family members. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, God children, further relatives, and so many wonderful friends. VISITATION: Tim and his daughters will greet family and friends from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, at Our Risen Savior Catholic Church, N 6499 County Road Y, Eldorado, WI. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will occur after visitation at the church, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, 686 Fond du Lac Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated by the family for the establishment of a scholarship fund dedicated to Frances with the intention of assisting future educators from the Rosendale-Brandon School District in their post-secondary education. The family extends their deepest appreciation to the friends, family, and health care workers at LakeHouse Fond du Lac and Aurora Hospice for all the love, companionship, and care given to Frances over the years.

Frances A. Crain

July 11, 1932 - November 27, 2024