Frances Stanwood, 79

Frances Stanwood passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2023. She was 79 years old. She will be dearly missed by her family, and they are grateful she is in a better place.

Frances was born on Nov. 21, 1943, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Frank and Ella (Stanton) Gales.

She is survived by her loving husband, Walter, of 56 years, and her children, Walter (Jeannine), John (Amy), and Mark (Emily); forever cherished and remembered by her eight grandchildren, Charlie, Peter, Tess, Caroline, Bill, Cecelia, Charlotte, and Jack; her sister, Mary; and nine nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her siblings Helen, Bill and Ann.

She was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, and attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Frances met Walter while at Marycrest. Eventually they settled in Woodstock, where they raised their three sons.

While in Woodstock, Frances made numerous contributions to the community. She served as a volunteer school nurse and was a committee member of the Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department. Nursing was her true passion. Frances worked at multiple hospitals in the Chicagoland area and taught nursing at a local college. Additionally, she served as a nurse at the McHenry Country Department of Health for 25 years, her last 17 as the director of nursing. While nursing was her passion, she was also co-owner/operator of Butler Auto Parts, the family business. 

Family was paramount to Frances. Her favorite time of year was the holidays, when she could host and be around the ones she loved most. Among her most beloved memories were summer family reunions. 

A visitation will be held at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. The visitation will continue on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass.

Interment services will be private.

For information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815- 338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com.