Frances G. Shoolroy

1913 - 2014

Frances G. Shoolroy

WOOSTER -- Frances G. Shoolroy passed away December 7, 2014 at her home in Wooster.

She was born May 20, 1913 in Wadsworth, Ohio, to John Henry and OrphaVeree (Garn) Gerberich. After living in Rittman for several years, her family moved to Akron where she graduated from Akron South High School in 1930. She went to work for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron where she met and married Charles A. Briggs III in 1931 and from whom she was divorced in 1948.

Moving to Wooster in 1948 she began working for MagniPower Company followed by the College of Wooster. In 1953, she married Robert H. Freeman from whom she was widowed in 1969. In 1976 she married Ross K. Shoolroy and was married to Ross until his death in 1987.

A member of Trinity United Church of Christ since 1954, Fran served the church in several capacities. She was also an active member of Travelers Club, English Club, The Women's Advisory Board of The College of Wooster, a charter member of the Wayne County Herb Society, and a charter member of Chapter DF of the PEO Sisterhood.

In the late 60's and through the mid 70's she and the late Ellen Shapiro opened, co-owned and operated "The Book Nook", a small book store in the Freeman Building in Downtown Wooster. In 1995 she endowed an Educational Fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation to assist graduates of Wooster and Rittman High Schools with scholarships for furthering their education at either the college or trade school level.

Fran enjoyed her family, travel, and many areas of interest including her love of reading. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceding her in death were her siblings, Mildred Yocum of Wooster, John Gerberich of Wadsworth, Alton Gerberich of Arizona; stepdaughters, Julia Halloran and Elizabeth Locker; stepson, Ross S. Shoolroy; granddaughter, Tiffany Elizabeth Briggs; and stepgrandson, Michael Shoolroy.

Surviving are her three sons, Charles A. (Charlene) Briggs IV, David M. (Carol) Briggs and Robert W. (Alyssa) Briggs; grandchildren, Stephanie (Michael) Amick, Kimberly (Martin) Jansen, Charles A. (Kimberly) Briggs V, Mary F. (Michael Wilson) Briggs, Suzanne (David Taylor) Briggs, Julie (Antonio) Chavez, Geoffrey D. (Anne) Briggs, Kristen F. Briggs, Adam A. (Vikki) Briggs, Jennifer (Jared) Jenkins, John R. Briggs, Robert (Rosemary) Rutkowski, stepgranddaughters, Elizabeth "Betz" Halloran, Patricia Halloran, Amy (Thomas) Carlton, and Jessie Dann; stepgrandsons, Charles Dann, James (Leslie) Halloran, Eric Locker, Ross Locker, Brian Shoolroy, Cliff (Karen) Shoolroy; and 17 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation for her long-time dedicated care giver, Julie Nussbaum.

Memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Burial will be at the Wooster Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ in Wooster or to the Shoolroy Educational Fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.