Joan Kathryn Frautschy

JOAN KATHRYN FRAUTSCHY Joan K. Frautschy (nee Shortt) beloved wife of Jerre A. Frautschy of Cortez, Colo., passed away peacefully the morning of Wednesday, October 8th. Joan is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jerre; and her children, Henry G. Frautschy (Brenda), Kathrene M. Frautschy, Jerre A. Frautschy, Jr., and Simone M. Crouchelli (Michael); as well as her grandchildren, Alden and Jenny Frautschy, and Antonio, Dakota and Marlon Crouchelli. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Kathryn Shortt of Elmwood Park, Ill. Joan was born on January 10, 1933 in the Chicago area, where she was lovingly adopted as an infant by Henry and Kathryn Shortt. After graduating from Trinity Catholic High School in River Forest, IL., Joan studied at Mundelein College and The Art Institute of Chicago. In 1953, Joan met Jerre, a handsome Marine recently returned from service in Korea. The couple were married on August 27, 1955 at St. Vincent Catholic Church in River Forest. Over the next decade the couple welcomed four children into their home. Joan enjoyed teaching her children everything from how to care for a litter of puppies to the discovery of their individual gifts and talents. Joan was a lifelong student of the world; she was particularly interested in world religions and cultures. An accomplished classically-trained sculptor, Joan studied under the tutelage of the Egyptian artist Moustafa Naguib. Among her works treasured by her family are Frustration, The Runner, The Lovers, a series of Babushka Ladies, and a collection known as The Monks. Especially prized is the bust she created of her husband Jerre. An avid reader of all genres, an enthusiasm she shared with Jerre, her children and grandchildren, Joan especially enjoyed English mysteries. As a young mother Joan served as a "Great Books" leader for adult and children's groups. With her appreciation for all the arts, Joan enjoyed the theater, the annual Ravinia Festival, and music ranging from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to classical music, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade was a particular favorite. Joan's commitment as a dedicated volunteer was a priority throughout her life, serving at Northwest Community Hospital (Arlington Heights, IL), The Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, The Jung Institute (Evanston, IL), Manna Soup Kitchen (Durango, CO) and most recently at Southwest Memorial Hospital (Cortez, CO). The family relocated to the Four Corners area in the mid-80's, where among their accomplishments they opened the popular local eatery Chip's Place in Hesperus. Joan loved New Mexico and was an eager student of the Native American people, their history and art. The family sailboat "The Gutsy Lady" was named to honor Joan's spirit for life. Joan enjoyed sailing, swimming and fishing with family and friends. A 30-year breast cancer survivor, Joan's message to her family was consistently modeled throughout her life: "Love one another and be generous to strangers." To honor Joan's lifelong appreciation of the companionship of four-legged friends, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the For Pet's Sake Humane Society, PO Box 1705 Cortez CO 81321 (forpetssakehs.org/about-us/), or to the charity of your choice in Joan's name. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, October 20, 10:00am at St. Columba Church, Durango, Colo. Burial will take place on a date in the future at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.