Frances Ellen Shupe

Frances Ellen (Furber) Shupe, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2022 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years. She was born March 5, 1934, in Edina, Minnesota, to Richard and Lila Furber.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa (now Iowa State University), Frances married her college sweetheart, Larry Shupe. They began their married life at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and eventually settled in Hartland, Wisconsin.

Frances taught Home Economics at Arrowhead High School for many years and later taught cooking classes at the local technical college and at her home. While at Arrowhead, Frances was also actively involved with AFS and loved meeting students from around the world and learning about their cuisine! In retirement Frances and Larry traveled extensively and maintained connections with many of these former exchange students. A highpoint of their travels was celebrating their 50th Anniversary on a cruise aboard the Queen Mary II.

With lifelong ties to the Congregational Summer Assembly near Crystal Lake and Frankfort, Michigan, Frances and Larry spent most summers there. They enjoyed having their children, grandchildren, many family members and friends join them for summer activities and lovely beach days.

Frances was a former member of the Hartland Women’s Club and long-standing member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hartland where she sang in the choir and played handbells. Frances was an accomplished piano player (all by ear!), an amazing seamstress and a fantastic cook. She adored having company and hosting delicious dinners and other celebrations.

Frances will be remembered for her wonderful hospitality, her quick laugh and positive disposition. She delighted in keeping up correspondence with many friends both near and far and cherished having family together.

Frances is survived by her three children: Douglas (Merri) Shupe of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Polly (Thomas) Mauer of Frankfort, Michigan and Andrea (Ross) Wilson of Bainbridge Island, Washington, her eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by one sister, Dorothy Byers of Frankfort, Michigan. The family would like to thank the Congregational Home for taking such good care of Frances for these many years. A private memorial service is planned for a later date. Memorials to the Congregational Summer Assembly, 2128 Pilgrim Hwy, Frankfort, MI. 49635 are appreciated.

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