Calista Franzmann Obituary
Franzmann, Calista Ina (née Braden)
April 17, 1933 – December 17, 2025
With her sons by her side, our Mum, Grandma, and Great-Grandma passed away peacefully at Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Don (Katherine), Jamie (Ev), Terry (Sandy), Mona (Dave), and Charlene; her grandchildren: Krista (Chris), Trevor (Melissa), Josh (Amber), Niki, Samantha (Dorian), Randy, Kristen, Matthew, Dana (Josie), Hailey (Wyatt), and Travis (Shayla); her great-grandchildren: Nathan, Gracie, Riley, TJ, Kennedy, Charlie, Braxton, Selene, and Clover; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Calista was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Herbert C. Franzmann, and her sisters, Iris Atkinson and Bunnie Muhly.
Born on April 17, 1933, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, to James Nelson Braden and Elizabeth Ann Braden (née Watkins), Calista grew up on a farm near Poplar Point. She attended West Poplar Point School from Grades 1–9 and East Poplar Point School for Grades 10–11. After high school, she completed Normal School and earned her teaching certificate. She taught Grades 1–8 at Webster School in Fannystelle, Manitoba. While living in Fannystelle, she boarded with the Underwood family, where she met Herb. While dating, they enjoyed going to shows and rehearsing for a play they both appeared in, “The Darling Brats.” After a brief courtship, Herb and Cal married on her parent’s front lawn on the sunny evening of July 9, 1952. Together, they farmed and began raising their family until 1959, when Herb’s work took them to Beausejour, followed by Winnipeg, Ottawa and Saskatoon. Upon Herb’s retirement, they returned to Manitoba to be closer to family, living first in Winnipeg and later settling in Carman.
Calista found great joy in being a homemaker and in raising her three boys and two girls. She was an exceptional cook and baker, and family gatherings were always anticipated for her delicious meals. Her grandchildren will attest that Grandma made the very best strawberry jam. She excelled at knitting and crocheting, keeping the family warm in sweaters and well supplied with dishcloths, and ensuring each grandchild had a cherished afghan. Always present and active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, she watched countless hockey, baseball, and curling games. A talented sewer, she created doll clothes, Christmas dresses, and figure skating outfits for the girls, and she served as a Brownie leader. Wherever she lived, Calista was an engaged community member. Watching Herb and Cal square and round dance—perfectly coordinated in their attire—was truly a delight. She enjoyed gardening, reading, puzzles, bowling, carpet bowling, shuffleboard, and visiting with family and her many friends. Calista loved camping; although she travelled across Canada and the United States, her favourite camping spot was Hecla Island in Manitoba.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Meadowoods community for their outings, friendship, and support over the 11 years Calista resided there after Herb’s passing. They would also like to thank the staff at Boyne Lodge for their compassionate care of our mum and grandma over the past few months.
A funeral service will be held at Carman United Church on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice, as Calista supported many causes.
Franzmann, Calista Ina (née Braden)
April 17, 1933 – December 17, 2025
With her sons by her side, our Mum, Grandma, and Great-Grandma passed away peacefully at Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Don (Katherine), Jamie (Ev), Terry (Sandy), Mona (Dave), and Charlene; her grandchildren: Krista (Chris), Trevor (Melissa), Josh (Amber), Niki, Samantha (Dorian), Randy, Kristen, Matthew, Dana (Josie), Hailey (Wyatt), and Travis (Shayla); her great-grandchildren: Nathan, Gracie, Riley, TJ, Kennedy, Charlie, Braxton, Selene, and Clover; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Calista was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Herbert C. Franzmann, and her sisters, Iris Atkinson and Bunnie Muhly.
Born on April 17, 1933, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, to James Nelson Braden and Elizabeth Ann Braden (née Watkins), Calista grew up on a farm near Poplar Point. She attended West Poplar Point School from Grades 1–9 and East Poplar Point School for Grades 10–11. After high school, she completed Normal School and earned her teaching certificate. She taught Grades 1–8 at Webster School in Fannystelle, Manitoba. While living in Fannystelle, she boarded with the Underwood family, where she met Herb. While dating, they enjoyed going to shows and rehearsing for a play they both appeared in, “The Darling Brats.” After a brief courtship, Herb and Cal married on her parent’s front lawn on the sunny evening of July 9, 1952. Together, they farmed and began raising their family until 1959, when Herb’s work took them to Beausejour, followed by Winnipeg, Ottawa and Saskatoon. Upon Herb’s retirement, they returned to Manitoba to be closer to family, living first in Winnipeg and later settling in Carman.
Calista found great joy in being a homemaker and in raising her three boys and two girls. She was an exceptional cook and baker, and family gatherings were always anticipated for her delicious meals. Her grandchildren will attest that Grandma made the very best strawberry jam. She excelled at knitting and crocheting, keeping the family warm in sweaters and well supplied with dishcloths, and ensuring each grandchild had a cherished afghan. Always present and active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, she watched countless hockey, baseball, and curling games. A talented sewer, she created doll clothes, Christmas dresses, and figure skating outfits for the girls, and she served as a Brownie leader. Wherever she lived, Calista was an engaged community member. Watching Herb and Cal square and round dance—perfectly coordinated in their attire—was truly a delight. She enjoyed gardening, reading, puzzles, bowling, carpet bowling, shuffleboard, and visiting with family and her many friends. Calista loved camping; although she travelled across Canada and the United States, her favourite camping spot was Hecla Island in Manitoba.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Meadowoods community for their outings, friendship, and support over the 11 years Calista resided there after Herb’s passing. They would also like to thank the staff at Boyne Lodge for their compassionate care of our mum and grandma over the past few months.
A funeral service will be held at Carman United Church on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice, as Calista supported many causes.