Frances Whitely Schwab

Frances Whitely Schwab

Frances Whitely Schwab, a resident of Salt Lake City since 1955 passed away April 10, 2010. Fran was born on February 24, 1939 in Fort Smith, AK, one of three children to the late William and Alice Whitely and was the beloved wife of Frederick Schwab for 51 years.

She was a loving and devoted mother to her children Daniel (Christine), Michael (Monique) and Christian (Catherine), always encouraging them to be positive and never doubting their ability to achieve anything.  She was also a loving grandmother to Alexa, Zachary and Kya Schwab. Fran will forever be remembered by her brother William Whitely and sister Susan Dussin along with her countless friends and family who were blessed to know her. Her love and dedication to her family was never compromised.

Fran was an accomplished dancer. She began dancing at the age of 12 and studied under the renowned Jacqueline Schumacher while living in Oregon.  She eventually became a Principal Artist for Utah Civic Ballet, now known as Ballet West, in 1955.  She met her future husband Fred, a gifted dancer and cast member of Utah Civic Ballet, that same year. They were a graceful and elegant pair on and off the stage. Fran’s love of dance continued on throughout her life with a dedication to volunteer work for Ballet West.  She was actively involved in her local community serving as PTA president in the 1970s and recently as a board member for Friendship Manor.  Fran was always present at Salt Lake Community Council meetings and was never shy about expressing her opinions.  Her edgy toughness was beautifully balanced by her compassionate demeanor.  She gave much of her time to several local charities.

Fran worked for Kelly Services for over 20 years as a seminar coordinator. She developed many friends and looked forward to each event.

Fran had an unyielding passion for animals. Her pets brought tremendous joy to her life. She believed every animal had a purpose and that each and every one should be loved and embraced. Fran loved to play tennis with her friends and take her beloved dog Ricci to Memory Grove and Research Park.  She met many new friends on her walks with Ricci. Fran was very social and enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. Our hearts are filled with sorrow. We love her.

A memorial service celebrating Fran’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24^th, at First Unitarian Church, 569 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City. 

In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution in her memory to Best Friends Animal Society – 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000.