Roseann Mabel Francis

Loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who cherished every moment she spent with family. Roseann, 99 years of age passed, peacefully on March 2, 2025. She was formerly from Monmouth, Chicago, Lisle and Plainfield, Illinois.

She was born at her family farm home in Monmouth, Illinois on May 27, 1925 to John & Mable Hayes. Roseann was the youngest of 5 children. Losing her mother to cancer at the young age of three she was raised to be a strong independent woman who always put the needs of her family first. She loved telling stories about growing up in the farming community surrounded by extended family members. After high school she secured an opportunity working for the Naval Department in Washington DC. Borrowing $50 dollars from her father, she traveled to Washington DC and worked as a secretary until the end of WWII. After the war she moved to Chicago, joined the Chicago Girls Club, and found a secretarial position. On weekends, she enjoyed going dancing with her friends on Saturday nights. One special Saturday night at the Aragon Ballroom, Roseann met a handsome young Marine who just returned from service. He asked if she had room on her dance card, and they danced the first of many dances. Roseann Hayes was joined in matrimony with Frank J. Francis in 1947. They were married 57 years when he passed in 2005.

Roseann will always be remembered for the love she gave her family, the celebration of life events and the joyous delight of holding her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She took great pride in her family and was a dedicated and wonderful mother and grandmother. Her memory and legacy will forever be in the hearts of her family.

Roseann was preceded in death by her loving husband Frank J. Francis, parents John and Mabel Hayes, nee Gavin, brothers John, James, and Robert Hayes, and sister Mary Ellen Ogren, nee Hayes. She is survived by sons Frank (Pamela) Francis, Martin (Marilyn) Francis, Richard (Michele) Francis, and daughter Donna (Dwight) Priest. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Brian (Erika) Francis, Joseph (Brandie) Francis, Scott (Sherry) Francis, David (Holly) Francis, Rita (Mark) Elder, Lauren (Kevin) Snyder, Jessica (Michael) Kessler, Erin (Kolbe) Cain, Stephen (Jennifer) Francis, Michael Francis, Kristen Francis, Sara (Andrew) Serino, Heather (Mitch) Katkus, Kyle (Colleen) Priest and 22 treasured great grandchildren.

Visitation for Roseann will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Joan of Arc Church, 820 Division St, Lisle, IL 60532, where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.