Frances D. Nelli
Frances D. Nelli, (nee Bielec), age 91, of Rockdale, Illinois passed away peacefully at her home on March 23, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.
Fran is survived by her daughters, Darlene (Dan) Kuglich, Sherrie (Tom) Fellows, and Gordene (Terry) Donley, and one son Gordon (Natalie) Nelli, Jr. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Dan (Nicole) Kuglich, Jr., Jeffrey (Dove) Kuglich, Stacee (CC) DeBold, Matt (Sarah) Fellows, Brian (Tiffany) Kane, Lisa (Jason) Mauk, Nicholas Donley, Brandyn, Mitchell, Ryan, and Adam Nelli; and ten great-grandchildren, Taylor Ringo, Anna Kuglich, Parker Kane, Kalvin, Luke, Thomas, and Nolan Fellows, and Ashly, Kaitlyn, and Jayce Mauk. She is survived by her very special friend, Arthur Rigoni; two sisters, Stephanie Ksiazak and Alice Garland; and one brother-in-law, Harold Nelli. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive, as well as her beloved cat Lucy.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gordon (2002); her parents, Frank and Ksenia Bielec; brothers, Joseph, Adam, Chester, and John Bielec; four sisters, Mary Nowak, Sonia Pisut, Loretta Perry, and Theresa Wysmerski; and sisters-in-law, Alice Athanitis, Glenna Antonio, Dolly Venturo, Norma Olmetti, Lorene Hamma, and Dee Nelli.
This amazing woman counted these among her accomplishments: employee of Sylvania/Granada/Wells TV for 20 years at St. Joseph's Medical Center, known as the "TV Lady"; volunteer at Joliet Area Community Hospice for over 40 years; lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rockdale; served as an election judge for many years; member of Harwood Post #5 American Legion, The Red Hats Society of Joliet, The Paulites, The Moose Lodge #300 in Joliet, and St. Joe's Senior Association at St. Joe's Park; participated in activities in the Senior Center of Will County, The Village of Rockdale Senior Center, and St. Joseph's Church Rockdale 50 Plus Club. In addition, Fran received her GED at the age of 52 and went on to further her education as a Certified Nurse's Assistant from JJC in 1980. Along the way, she took classes and workshops in her many and various fields of interest, such as computers, cake decorating, and dog grooming.
Fran took much pride in her accomplishments, but she regarded the love of family and friends as her prime purpose in life. She was proud of her Polish heritage and she passed that pride on to her family. She loved her humble home of 65 years in Rockdale. When asked what she'd like to contribute to this writing, she responded, "I've had a beautiful life."
In the weeks before her passing, Fran's life was celebrated with polka music, home videos, and relatives' and friends' visits. She made an impact on many, many lives ... even strangers'. Fran will forever be remembered as a fun-loving, smiling celebrity and lover of life.
Visitation for Frances D. Nelli will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home and Crematory 2320 Black Road, Joliet on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral Services on Monday, April 3, 2017 beginning at 10:15 am from the funeral home to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rockdale for a mass at 11:00 am. Interment Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Romeoville.
Memorials may be made in Frances' name to Joliet Area Community Hospice.
For information call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home.
4 Entries
I am sorry about the death of your mother. I remember her being the TV lady. I enjoyed what you said about her and how she encouraged you to be a nurse at the award dinner atPSJMC.MY father also died on March 23,2017.I will miss him greatly. I will pray for you. You are special.
Debra Juhant
April 3, 2017
March 27, 2017
Heaven gained a beautiful angel. Rest in peace my beautiful Great Aunt Frannie. I'll miss seeing your beautiful face at our family parties. I love you.
Gina Ciancio
March 27, 2017
Gordene: I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Elmer Bostjancic
March 26, 2017
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