Mary Frances (Fran) Montague

Mary Frances (Fran) Montague, age 90, of Evanston, IL, formerly of Springfield, IL, died peacefully in her sleep on November 12, 2018, following several weeks of declining health. Fran was born January 27, 1928 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Eugene Timothy and Grace Carolyn McLaughlin. After attending St. Agnes Grade School and Sacred Heart Academy, Fran graduated from Springfield High School and attended DePauw University and Springfield College in Illinois. Fran married William Ellsworth (Bill) Montague on February 17, 1956 and moved to Syracuse, NY before returning to Springfield. They were together 54 years before Bill passed in November 2010. Professionally, Fran began her career at Illinois Bell Telephone. Then, together with Bill, owned and operated a fine china distributorship. Thereafter, while assisting Bill with his investment brokerage firm, Wm. E. Montague & Associates, Fran founded her own tour company, Guide Gals, and remained President for over 30 successful years. Along with Bill, Fran was an active member of Island Bay Yacht Club for over 50 years. She was also a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Junior League of Springfield, the Springfield Art Association, and The Sangamo Club. Fran also served as a multi-term elected board member of the Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority (SMEAA). She was an undeterred voice within her elected position- something she handled with strength and dignity. Of all her accomplishments, Fran was most proud of her five daughters. As a parent, she stressed maintaining unwavering faith, self-reliance, education, and a sense of humor. When time finally allowed, Fran and Bill embarked upon much anticipated travel adventures. These trips often required her to call upon her keen sense of humor. This humor kept her, and those around her, laughing to the end. Fran is survived by her sister, Margaret Grace (Margie) Hall; and five daughters, Mary Lee (Bruce Matthews) Montague of Chicago, IL, Suzanne (Michael) Parks of Kenilworth, IL, Carolyn (Daniel) Klenkar of Lakewood, OH, Nancy (Jeffrey) Bedwell of Kenilworth, IL, and Amy Montague of Washougal, WA; 12 grandchildren, Carolyn Parks (James) Chatterton, Michael, John, Luke, Daniel, and Mary Elizabeth Parks, Mary Katherine, Sarah, and Charles Klenkar, Jeffrey and Daniel Bedwell, and Zachary Clayton; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Springfield. Funeral Mass: 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Springfield with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A reception will then follow at the Inn at 835, 835 S. 2nd Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Springfield Art Association/Edwards Place Historical Home, 700 North 4th St., Springfield, IL 62702, www.springfieldart.org/edwards-place, or call 217-523-2631. The family of Mary Frances (Fran) Montague is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.