Frances Jane Kelly (née Carr), 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on April 7, 2015. She is survived by her children, Mary, Patrick, Jim and Kathleen, her siblings Patrick Carr (Karen), Teresa Lemkemann and Robert Carr and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Fran was recently preceded in death by John, her loving husband and “true love”, of 61 years. She was also the proud parent of Geronimo, a wily, two-toned Cocker Spaniel, one of several she enjoyed during her lifetime.
Fran began her multifaceted career as a registered nurse in Peoria in the 1950s. In Milwaukee, she added the roles of wife and mother, while remaining active in nursing, her community and the Catholic church. Later, in Newport, TN, when most contemplate retirement, Fran launched her own company, Carr Business Forms, which she joyfully maintained for nearly 20 years.
Whether scouring local shops for the perfect antique end table, caning old chairs, baking her grandmother’s famous oatmeal muffins or soaring a glider into the sunset, Fran enjoyed life to the fullest. She treasured her many relationships with friends, colleagues, neighbors and church members.
After raising their children, Fran and John found joy in biking, paddling and traveling together, whenever, and wherever the spirit moved them. In addition to realizing her lifelong dream of visiting the Hoover Dam (twice), she and John traveled to New Zealand, Australia, Ireland (aka the “olde sod”), Europe, Mexico, the vineyards of northern California (great wine!) and the Yukon (where, despite her best efforts, she never spotted a single moose).
While her absence leaves us wanting, we find solace in knowing Fran has joined John on their eternal honeymoon. “What God has joined together……”
Fran’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, April 25, starting at 5:00pm at Weaver Ridge Golf Club, 5100 N. Weaver Ridge Blvd, Peoria, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PAWS Chicago.
