Frances E. (Hendrie) Hill

Frances Eleanor (Hendrie) Hill passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Mishawaka, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and cherished memories. Born on October 23, 1932, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, she was a woman of grace, warmth, and boundless spirit.

Daughter to the late William Ian Strathearn Hendrie and Frances Eleanor (Holten) Hendrie, Frances's early years in Hamilton laid a strong foundation of family values and a zest for life that she carried throughout her journey. While her brothers William, John, Hugh, and Peter Hendrie predeceased her, their influence and shared history remained a touchstone in Frances’s vibrant story.

Frances's personal life was marked by deep affection and commitment. Her first marriage to Bradford King Kroha resulted in four loving children, a bond that remained even after their paths diverged. With her second husband, Howard Karl Hill, whom she married on February 15, 1979, she experienced an enduring love that only deepened until his passing on May 19, 1990.

A dedicated homemaker, Frances's heart was always with her family. She was a beacon of support and love for her children Nancy King Hudson of Louisville, KY, Judith Strathearn Bemenderfer (Todd) of Mishawaka, IN, Sally Smy Kroha (Juan Carlos Bosacoma) of Northbrook, IL, and her late daughter Janice Hendrie Kroha. The family lineage flourished under her care, with her grandchildren Adam Bradford Jackson (Flo), Jasmin Elizabeth Jackson (Russell Stefan), David Ian Bemenderfer (Emily), Mark William Bemenderfer (Amber), Thomas Bradford Bemenderfer (Sara), Eleanor Kroha Bosacoma and Juan Carlos Bosacoma IV, as well as eight great-grandchildren, who all basked in her love and zest for life.

Frances's passions extended well beyond the home. An adventurer at heart, she reveled in travel, discovering new places, and experiencing diverse cultures. Her competitive nature found a delightful outlet in card games, where she was known for her fierce gameplay and infectious laughter. An accomplished equestrian, she found solace and joy in riding horses, and her fondness for knitting, animals, fishing, and entertaining reflected the breadth of her interests and her innate ability to create and nurture.

Her laughter was a gift, her counsel a comfort, and her presence a joy. With her passing, Frances Eleanor Hill leaves behind not just a beautiful family, but a legacy of what it means to embrace life with passion and kindness. As we remember her, we celebrate a life well-lived, and a woman dearly loved.

A private family burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, IL. Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with final arrangements.