Main fundraiser photo

Celebration of Life Memorial

Summary of Expenses:
$535 Obituary
$2000 Creamation
$2500  Memorial Venue and Refreshments 

The Celebration of Life Memorial

Kerry's children, Jessica, Jaclyn, Jenelle and Josh will be hosting a Celebration of Life in honor of their Mother's wishes on Tuesday, September 29th.  Many friends and loved ones living out of town wish to help by assisting in monetary gift donations towards this celebration.  As you can imagine over the 7 year course of Kerry's fight with cancer most all financial resourses have been depleted.  If you feel moved to help in any way you're welcome to use this means and any help is extremely appreciated.

Kerry Franke at 57 years old passed away with grace and dignity in her home embraced by the love and support of her family on September 21, 2015.  Kerry’s infectious smile, energy, and passion for life and goodness touched many throughout her entire lifetime.  Her kind spirit embraced all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.  Her light shone brightly even more so over the past seven years.  Kerry defied the odds, turning a bleak cancer diagnosis into an amazing journey of life and joy.    

Kerry was born in Springfield where she grew and thrived with her parents and three siblings.  She felt blessed to have grown up in a neighborhood full of families and children who would eventually become lifelong friends.  After graduating Springfield High School in 1976, Kerry began her life as wife and mother.   She married Larry Franke in September of 1977.  Living in Springfield as well as Petersburg, she embraced her role as mother, teacher, artist, and quilter.  Her creative vision and talented skills made turning everything she touched into a “Kerry-fied masterpiece” best described by comforts, beauty and her amazing style.  Kerry’s passion and deepest love was for her children and during this journey she also felt extremely blessed to embrace the love of her grandchildren and closest friends.  Her boyfriend Shawn McKinney of 5 years brought adventure, creative accomplishments and fulfilled a comfort and joy during her most difficult years.

Kerry worked as an Early Childhood Aid in the PORTA School District.  She was a member of United Methodist Church, Springfield Rotary Club, The Springfield Historical Society, as well as many volunteer efforts with Petersburg Historical Society, New Salem and Clayville. She attended Lincoln Land Community College and retired in 2015 from her position as Credit Manager at US Electric.  Kerry fulfilled a 20 year dream remodeling a storefront in downtown Petersburg to open a quilt shop, offering sewing lessons and custom quilting services while supporting local artists.

She was passionate about her family and kept contact with her own cousins, aunts and uncles, embracing her role as Aunt Kerry to many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.  She was a good steward to her family and faith, as well as her friends and community.  Kerry encouraged all to embrace those you love, celebrate life, and believe there is good in the world.  

To read more about Kerry’s life and legacy, please visit Kerry’s blog.  As well, look for upcoming information regarding her Celebration of Life on her blog www.kerryfranke.blogspot.com

With deepest love and respect,
The J's
{Jessica, Jaclyn, Jenelle and Josh}

Donations 

  • Hitchcock Family
    • $100 
    • 8 yrs

Organizer

Jessica Ann
Organizer
Springfield, IL

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