SALEM & FORT EDWARD – Minerva Elizabeth (Shallcross) Fronhofer passed away peacefully at her home in Ft. Edward, on September 20, surrounded by family, her sister Joan VonRodeck of NJ, right by her side.
Minerva was born on November 7, 1927, to William Shallcross of Philadelphia and Olive (Harnett) Shallcross of Oldham, England. She grew up the eldest of three siblings in Kenilworth, NJ. When Minerva was a toddler, the Fronhofer family moved into town. Minerva quickly became close friends with the daughter Eleanor, and they remained lifelong friends. When Eleanor’s brother Leonard left to serve in World War II, Minerva, ever the good correspondent, would write him letters full of news back home. That correspondence would eventually lead to a seven-decade marriage.
After returning from the war, Leonard and Minerva married and had their first three children. In 1950, they purchased a dairy farm in Argyle, where they lived for the next 65 years and had nine more children. Minerva raised their twelve children with patience, skill, and most of all, love. Her children have fond memories of oatmeal for breakfast, made in a dutch oven to accommodate all their appetites. On school mornings, she would make their lunches and braid her five daughters’ hair with lightning speed and efficiency.
Minerva was up for any challenge. She adapted to life on the farm, milking cows and working in the fields. She grew vegetables, put away food, sewed clothes for the family, and had an incredible green thumb with her ornamental plants. Minerva also managed to look fashionable and lovely, no matter the circumstances.
She and Leonard were partners in all sorts of adventures, like the time they heard on the news that the Space Shuttle would launch the next day in Florida and decided to drive and see it. They were both active amateur radio operators, meeting and making friends with people around the world. Over the years Minerva took on several leadership roles in various radio club organizations, including President of SAYLARC.
With her unassuming but loving way, almost all who came in contact with Minerva were touched by her warmth and grateful to have met her. She also had the unique ability to remember, and commemorate, the important milestones of not just her entire large family but also the many people she befriended.
Minerva’s greatest joy was her family, and she reveled in all their accomplishments. She was the matriarch of a family of nearly one hundred people whom she knit together by her example. She will be missed.
The family want to express their gratitude to Minerva’s devoted caregivers, Saderia and AnnMarie, and all her friends at The Oaks in Fort Edward, especially Gertrude Wilson.
Minerva was predeceased by her husband, Leonard Fronhofer III, her sons Van and Frank, and granddaughters Heather and Casey.
She is survived by brother, Robert Shallcross, sister, Joan VonRodeck, sister-in-law, Eleanor McCarthy, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; her sons, Leonard (Cindy), Carl (Weili), Fred (Cindy), Paul (Ellen), and Socrates (Karen), daughters, Minerva (Peter) Campbell, Joan (Jay) Phillips, Susan (Michael) Jaworski, Diane (fiancé John Alexander) Carleton, Elaine (Michael Wright) Fronhofer, daughters-in-law Laurel Fronhofer and Janet Fronhofer, and her 37 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.
A private memorial will be held.
To the Fronhofer Family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. May fond memories help you through this difficult time.
I only knew Minerva through her grown children, but remember her with her husband and children at the Greenwich Beach when I worked there in the 1960’s. I graduated with her eldest son, Len. I have no doubts she was a remarkable woman as evidenced by her equally remarkable family. My sympathies go out to all the family members.
The Dorothy & Gerald Foelsch family knew this wonderful Family well. We loved the Christian Attitude they showed in all their dealings. May God Bless you All.
Reading about Minerva Fronhofer brought back memories of a great family attending GCS. Minerva and Leonard had 12 children but they were 12 only children! Each was so different but the parents treated each as the most important. All children should be so lucky. My best to the whole family!!
To Joanie and family,
My sincerest sympathies to you all.
Hugs, Sherri
My husband Don Bain would be saddened if he knew of Minerva’s passing.
Being Postmaster in Cossayuna for over 35 years he knew everyone but some became special friends……..he spoke often & highly of Minerva & Lenny.
Sadly Dons health is preventing him from expressing his sympathy personally to her family.
Our condolences to Minerva’s Family.
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We are so sad to hear the passing of our friend Minerva.