Frances "Fran" C. Schuster

Frances “Fran” C. Schuster, 95, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point.

She was born on March 19, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank and Ethel (Apoll) Rathburn. She graduated from East Chicago Washington High School with the Class of 1949. On Valentine’s Day in 1953, she married Jim Schuster in East Chicago. He preceded her in death on February 12, 2023.

Fran substitute taught in the Merrillville School System and at St. Andrew School for 18 years. Strong and devoted, she was often referred to as the homemaker and the glue of the family. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always wanted everyone to have fun, especially when she was pulling one of her practical jokes.

Fran loved crafting and quilting and was a member of the Heritage Quilters of Crown Point. Preserving family traditions was important to her, and she cherished spending time with her loved ones. She also enjoyed traveling, especially her many trips abroad.

She was a member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Culver and sang with the Sweet Adelines Barbershop Chorus and Quartet.

She is survived by her children: Ronald “Rusty” (Marianne) Schuster of Golden, Colorado; Patrick (Tricia) Schuster of Crown Point, Indiana; Scott (Cathy) Schuster of Crown Point, Indiana; Terry (Gale) Schuster of Naperville, Illinois; and Gregg (Jannae) Schuster of Arvada, Colorado; as well as 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jim.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 124 College Avenue, Culver, Indiana 46511. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow.

A private burial will take place at New Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 124 College Avenue, Culver, IN 46511.