Karen Ann Francisco

Karen A. Francisco, 55, passed away at 2:35 a.m. Friday, October 8, 2010 at her home after a long illness.

Her funeral service will held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2010 at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, where visitation one hour prior to services (1 – 2 p.m.). Burial will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington.

She was born August 3, 1955 in Urbana, daughter of Herbert and Marguerite Harris Mattern, both of Bloomington. They preceded her in death.

She graduated from University High School in 1973, and later went on to complete Nurses training and certification. She worked at several local nursing homes before health issues forced an early retirement.

In 1983, Karen married Michael Francisco, who she met when they performed together in a local rock band called “E.W. Dooley”. Karen sang both lead and backup vocals. Michael played keyboards and guitar. He survives.

Also surviving are three sisters, Roberta Nelson of Shorewood, WI, Marie (Bill) Schwartz of Bloomington, and Loretta Bullard of Minier, one son, Tony (Amy) Francisco of Bloomington, two nieces, Jamie Hardesty of Normal, and Emily Bullard of Normal, and one great nephew, Austin Hardesty of Normal.

Karen had a great love of music. She wrote songs together with her husband, and she also played piano, guitar, and mandolin. She was a licensed songwriter with ASCAP music. She wrote manuscripts for short novels, and was a real poet when it came to writing lyrics for her music. She was very talented at home decorating, and she made every home she lived in look professionally decorated. She was a devoted Christian, and when her health permitted it, she greatly enjoyed visits to Starved Rock with her husband and her much loved Scottish Terrier, Dunbar.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org), or the Home Sweet Home Ministries of Bloomington.

Online condolences may be submitted to www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.