Obituary of Fran E. Kreider

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fran Ellen Kreider (Bersch), known to many simply as Fran, Fran Ellen, F'nellen, Mom or Grammy. Born on January 28, 1960, Fran left us on October 1, 2025 in Lima, New York. With Fran's departure, we remember a life lived with immense love and a constant sense of caring. Fran was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Lois Bersch of Christiansburg, Virginia. She is survived by her husband Jonathan Kreider, whom she married in 1980, her sister, Anne Young (Bersch), and her sons Michael Kreider, Daniel Kreider, Joel and Kelly Kreider and their children, Gabriel Kreider and Julie Terebkov, and Joshua Kreider. Her grandchildren were the light of her world, Benaiah, Phoebe, Zoë and Rosie Kreider are left to continue her legacy. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives from near and afar. Fran and Jonathan transformed a very old farmhouse into a nurturing home and peaceful sanctuary. This is where she raised her children, taught them, baked bread, knitted, cross stitched and made quilts. She was always busy, although her lifestyle was simple: canning food and preserves, tending her gardens, singing and feeding the birds. Some of Fran's significant accomplishments include her graduation from Radford University and she completed her Masters in Education from SUNY Geneseo. Fran was a member of the Rochester Threshold Choir. She also wrote songs that have been sung in Threshold Choirs all over the world. For many years, she was the Sunday School coordinator for the Word of Life Church in Rochester, New York. She was a volunteer at the Episcopal Senior Life Communities in Rochester, playing her guitar and singing with the precious folks. Fran's presence will be sorely missed. We let go of a remarkable woman, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and a kind soul. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love, joy, and kindness that were the essence of Fran's being. A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 2, 3:30 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1111 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY.