Frances Jones

Frances M. Jones (79) was born in Chicago, IL on July 25, 1943. She rose into the open arms of Jesus on July 28, 2022. She lived a long life as a kind, caring, generous and loving soul.      As a young lady, she was skilled in shorthand and an excellent typist. This led to work as a transcriptionist, bookkeeper, office accountant and secretary. She enjoyed working in restaurants, as well. Over the years, her ability to "fill-in" as hostess, server or kitchen helper was greatly appreciated. After living 50 years in Chicago, she moved to Rockford, IL to be near her daughter's family. Without formal training, she acquired the computer skills necessary to become a receptionist for a large company handling multi-line phone systems, bookkeeping, directing all guests and clients to the proper destinations. Again, restaurants became her domain. As a very friendly, outgoing "people person", she strived to do her best. Many of her customers became "regulars" and as years went by her friends. After years of hard work, she retired and focused on things that she enjoyed such as cooking, knitting, volunteering and her cats. She was survived by Molly Munchkin who was truly her companion for many years. Molly M. has found a furever home with her grandchild, Hope and daughter, Denise. She will be purrfectly happy in her new home with no shortage of love, kisses and hugs! She loved her community. She attended SecondFirst Church in downtown Rockford. There she had many friends. She found joy in volunteering. Serving on several committees, she helped organize fundraisers for many causes. With her passion for cooking, baking and knitting- bake sales, craft fairs and "potluck" gatherings were amongst her favorites. She enjoyed spending her time and energy organizing and serving the congregation. Known as the "coffee lady", she could often be found setting up, serving and cleaning up the coffee station used for gatherings after Sunday service. Thank you to the congregation for the kindness, love and support that was a source of strength for Frances. The senior high-rise community where she spent about 15 years living, also benefitted from her love of volunteering. She started the "coffee club". Rising very early in the morning, to set-up, prepare, and serve the coffee in the resident's center. She often brought a homemade "goodie" for her friends. She held EPIC football buffets for the residents whenever her beloved Chicago Bears were playing. She ran for treasurer of the resident council and won, later serving as a councilwoman. There are too many friends to list, and she never met a stranger. She would welcome the new folks and, sadly, sat at the bedside of an ill neighbor. She spent much of her time cooking or knitting. She enjoyed cooking for a crowd and several times a week would bring dinner to her neighbors that otherwise wouldn’t have a homecooked meal. She did all of this from the kindness of her heart because although she lived frugally, her love of “couponing” kept her refrigerator and cupboards full of food! The self-proclaimed “coupon queen”, she waited anxiously for her Sunday Register Star and Chicago Tribune for the sales and coupon sections. She was “that person” that loved grocery shopping, always challenging herself to save money. She was the lady in the grocery store line with all those coupons. She would go to several stores to maximize her savings during the week. The caveat to this is she used public transportation with her “Cubs-colored” pull behind grocery cart. Every few years she requested a new one for her birthday because the wheels would be literally worn out. She also cooked for her family and friends. They loved her stuffed shells, chicken enchiladas, quiche, BBQ wings, and ribs. She looked forward to holiday cooking which, of course, was shared with her so many others in her building. No one was turned away and everyone left with a full belly (and leftovers)! Any day could be Christmas when it came to baking. You never knew when she would be at your door with a package of baked goods. She loved to provide them for bake sales at her church, after services, her coffee club, and any party, even, or gathering. We requested pineapple upside-down cake, pecan nut cups, brownies, and rumballs, to name a few. Frances was prolific with her knitting, much of her efforts were her donations for church fundraisers, but also gifts for family and friends. However, with an entrepreneurial spirit, she took orders. She could take a pattern and modify it to fit any size, color, or texture with personalization as requested. Over the 50 years of knitting there are probably thousands of folks that have received one of Frances’ treasures! During her last year of her long life, she began to have short-term memory loss. She moved to The Grand Regency of Rockford. She received loving, kind, and compassionate care. Living independently, she was happy with her cat Molly Munchkin, cable TV (Law & Order and CSI were her favorite shows), "her books" from the library, and sobriety. She had three meals a day with her dear friends who welcomed her like a sister from her first day at Grand Regency. The morning she passed, she conversated normally with her friends and staff, then proceeded to her room where she was discovered shortly thereafter resting peacefully on her bed having taken her last breath. As a family, this brings a sense of happiness for all. This is just as she would have desired. So, to all that knew Frances, the Lord opened the gates for a peaceful, loving, kind, generous, and happy soul! May she rest in peace for evermore! We will think about her often and miss her always. Thank you to all that shared our life, time, love, and heart with our dear mother in any way, big or small! She appreciated all very much! She was predeceased by her mother, Helen Jones, and sister, Sandy Allard, her special cats Puttercat, and Pretty Girl. Survivors include daughters Kathleen Conlin-Hicks (Pete), Denise Conlin (Bill) and Pamela Conlin-Kaplan (Dale). Her grandchildren Hope Jolene Conlin, Kyle St. John (father, Gordy), Moremi Kaplan, Jessica Kaplan and Benji Kaplan. Her niece Kellie Allard-Beale (Kraig), nephews James P Mackey IV (Mimi), Timothy Mackey (Mary Beth), Erik (April) and numerous great nieces and nephews. She had many dear friends over her life. More recently, her dearest friend was John Livermore. Also, very good friends Pam Francis and Tom were special to her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name by mailing to: Winnebago County Animal Services, 4517 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103. Donations online to
http://www.winnebagoanimals.org and follow “donate” button upper right corner to page. It will ask you about “special instructions” and then put her name. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Rd., Loves Park. www.statelinecremations.com