Frances Lincoln Fischer

Jack Fischer is rejoicing in Heaven as, at long last, he has been reunited with his beloved Franny. We on Earth already miss her terribly.

Frances Lincoln Fischer died November 23, 2014 at Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Cause of death was an irreversible brain injury suffered in a tragic, accidental fall November 13, 2014 in Lawrence.

Frances was born February 13, 1916 in Ceresco, NE to Clarence S. and E Marjorie Lincoln. She was their only child. The family moved to Lincoln, NE where Frances completed elementary and high school. She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. There she met Frank Jackson Fischer and they soon became quite an item – always noticed on the dance floor! They eloped November 18, 1936 and were married by Jack’s father – Judge Frank Fischer in Valentine, NE. Jack died of heart disease at the all too young age of 32.

Frances completed her college years at the University of Kansas, earning a B.S. and M.S. in Elementary Education. She often said she was a corn-fed Jayhawker.

Frances taught third grade at Pinckney, always her favorite school, as well as teaching third and fifth at Centennial and Schwegler. She loved her students and they in return loved her. Frances was especially pleased to be able to attend a Pinckney reunion of students in her later years.

After teaching, Frances found great enjoyment working at the Science Library, now called Anschutz, at KU. Here, too she loved helping the students and professors with research studies. This led to part-time information brokerage work that lasted into her early 90’s.

Frances had great concern for the welfare of the elderly in nursing homes after dealing with issues with her own mother. She enlisted the help of Wayne Osness, P.E. Department at KU, and established physical fitness programs for the elderly at Valley View Nursing Home using KU students. It was funded by grants she obtained. Frances was a member of KINH, Kansas for the Improvement of Nursing Homes, now known as Advocates for Better Care.

Frances was involved with a number of organizations and enjoyed the many friendships she found in each one. In her later years, Kappa Kappa Iota, a sorority for teachers, remained at the top of her social list.

Frances was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and sang in the choir for many years. She also taught CCD classes.

Surviving Frances is her only child, a much loved daughter, six cherished nieces and nephews, her always supportive brother-in-law and his wife, cousins and many kind and caring neighbors and friends.

The family expresses much gratitude to the many doctors engaged in Frances’ care through the years. Obviously, they certainly did an outstanding job! Frances remained active, alert, and happy due to their efforts and the efforts of her fantastic helpers from Home Instead and Visiting Nurses. She was able to do what she wanted to because of them. A special joy was despite set-backs, always returning to the Fit for Life program at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. At the time of her death, she was exercising three times a week! She truly was amazing and looking forward to more years. It likely didn’t occur to her that this accident was something she would not overcome.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence on Monday, December 8, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. with the Rosary at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1234 Kentucky, Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Family and friends will then gather at the Castle Tea Room.

The family respectfully requests no flowers, but would welcome donations in Frances Fischer’s memory to the Lawrence Humane Society, Visiting Nurses of Douglas County, Kansas Advocates for Better Care, Audio Reader, or a charity close to the heart of the donor’s choice.