Frances “Fran” H. Bishop, 91, formerly of Berrien County, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Savoy, IL.
Fran was born on April 24, 1933, to Franz F. and Bertha May (Wurster) Koehler in Chicago, IL. She grew up with her brother on the family’s farm in Scottdale, Michigan. Fran graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1951 and worked briefly at VM Corporation in Benton Harbor. She was married in 1953 to Chauncey R. Bishop. Shortly after, they moved to Coloma and began a family. Fran dedicated the next 17 years to her children and family and became actively involved in the First Congregational Church of Coloma and the local PTA.
In 1972, Fran relocated to Alabama where she began work as a seamstress, before moving back to Southwest Michigan in 1982. During her life, Fran worked in many different trades, but her true love was sewing. She enjoyed creating and was a very skilled seamstress. Outside of work she took great enjoyment in reading, gardening and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.
Fran is preceded in death by her son, Gary R. Bishop, of Coloma; a grandson, Colby L. Payne, of Florida; and her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Jane Koehler, of Coloma.
She is survived by her sons, Rick Bishop (Ellen) of San Francisco, CA and Dave Bishop (Cathy, deceased) of Alachua, FL; a daughter, Beth Smith (Mike) of Champaign, IL; grandchildren, Kyle Bishop of Cincinnati, OH, Taylor Bishop of Philadelphia, PA and Avery Smith of Champaign, IL.
A celebration of life will be held in Michigan at a later date. Anyone interested in more information can reach out to Florin Funeral Services in Benton Township at 269-926-7222.
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