Frances E. Kirchhof

Frances Eleanor (Krause) Kirchhof (age 87) of Sanatoga died April 19, 2020 at her residence. Born May 19, 1932 in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Anna (Tarczynsky) Krause. She was predeceased by her husband, Darwin R, her son Darwin R. Jr., and two brothers and five sisters. She is survived by a daughter, Dr. Debra Kirchhof-Glazier, wife of Dr. Douglas Glazier of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, a granddaughter Brynda, and a grandson Darron. In addition, she is survived by Ernst Hellriegel and Ned Phillips, who were like sons to her. Frances (aka Francie) worked side by side with her husband in the 1950s to build their business of Kirchhof Plumbing, Heating, and Fuel Oil. She was an impeccably organized and resourceful "superwoman" who ran the office operations for over 25 years, found time to keep an immaculate house and prepare daily homemade meals for her family, and served as CEO of the business after her husband's death. Francie was a model wife and mother, whose devotion to her family modeled the maxim that "Where there is love, nothing is too much trouble and there is always time." She had an especially close relationship with her granddaughter Brynda, with whom she shared everything, from friendship to fashion, and showed her love for her disabled grandson Darron in creative ways that he could understand. Francie was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and had a deep commitment to her personal faith, but embraced people from all religions and walks of life. In 1982 Francie lost both her son and her husband within 5 months of each other. Despite this unspeakable tragedy, she found the strength to continue living and loving, and opened her arms and heart to Ernst and Ned to include them as part of her extended family. Francie was compassionate, down-to-earth, and a good listener. She was also a classy lady whose sense of style made her stand out wherever she went. Dancing was her lifelong passion, and she attended the weekly local dances with her friends for many years. In fact, she was dancing in high heels on New Year's Eve 2020, just 4 months before her death. Francie Kirchhof remains an example to her family and friends of what it is like to truly live and serves as an inspiration to all of us to keep on dancing. A memorial dance will be held in her honor as part of a Celebration of Life at a future date. Those who wish to attend should email Deb at [email protected] to obtain details when they become available. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in memory of Frances Kirchhof to the Shriners Hospitals for Children online or by check payable to "Shriners Hospital for Children" and mailed to Shriners Hospital for Children-Philadelphia; Attn: Development Office; 3551 North Broad Street; Philadelphia PA 19140.

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