Frances Rose Shultz (nee Ruchniewski) passed away gracefully on June 8, 2022 at the age of 61 with family by her side after a lifelong battle with kidney disease. Frances was a warrior in every sense of the word. There were numerous occasions throughout her life that doctors told her she might not live to see another day, only to prove time and time again that she was a 1%er that had an unbreakable spirit and will to live so she could continue to love her family. Never one to complain, she always made the best out of every card she was delt. Frances inspired and touched the lives of so many with her integrity, the lens she chose to look at life and live life to the fullest.

Frances was a two time kidney transplant recipient whose story was featured on Discovery Channels, Surgery Saved My Life & The Rachel Ray Show; making medical history with her husband John Shultz by being one of the early-on what would now be referred to as, The Incompatible Kidney Transplant Program, at John Hopkins University.

Frances was together for 42 years with the true love of her life, John Shultz, in what could only be described as a fairy tale love story. They celebrated 40 years of devoted marriage and had two healthy boys. She was a loving mother to her two sons John Shultz and Steve Shultz. She was GiGi to her grandchildren Brooke, SJ, John-John and Oliver whom she loved very much, evident by her never ending memories. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law of Patricia Rodriguez and the countless others whom she always welcomed as family and had a plate at the dinner table for.

There was not a person who met Frances that did not like her. She enjoyed fishing, boating, shooting guns and sinking her feet on the beaches of the Jersey Shore. Frances loved any excuse to dress up for the occasion, especially while listening to live classic rock music filled with nights of singing and dancing.

We also wish to recognize the care and compassion that was provided by the countless doctors, nurses, techs and extended staff that practiced such magical medicine over the years and treated Frances with such kindness and grace. She could always tell who graduated at the top and at the bottom of the class, till the very end. We hope the knowledge that was gained was able to help the lives of others.

There will be a viewing & celebration of life held from 10 am to 12 pm on Tuesday, June 14th at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, 126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, NJ 08078. A reception for close family and friends will be held at Filomena's Lakeside in Deptford, NJ. Cremation and a private family interment are planned at France's request.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the John Hopkins Incompatible Kidney Transplant Program would be greatly appreciated.

Services