Francoise Therese Roberto Conell

Francoise Therese Roberto Conell (née Balavoine)

Francoise came to the United States from France when she was 19 years old. She was a Nanny to three boys and taught them French. She later worked for Illinois Bell, became a bank teller at Old Orchard Bank and also worked at Fannie Mae Candies. She met Horst, her husband in 1968 . Horst was from Germany and the two of them met in ESL class in chicago. He was in the United States Army and worked as a mechanical engineer at a tool and die company. They were married up until his death in 2015.

Francoise Therese Roberto Conell, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully August 14, 2025 surrounded by family. Born to Leone and Henri Balavoine, Francoise grew up with two brothers, Alain Balavoine (Mireille) and Jean-Loup (Patricia), and one sister, Michelle Alazard (Jean).

She was the devoted mother of Lisa Sullivan (John) and Angelique Conell. She adored her three grandchildren - Shana (Nick), Shannon (Jeremiah), and Torrie Conell - and cherished her four great-grandchildren: Ronny, Jade Elizabeth, Ezra, and Ezekiel.

She was a favorite aunt to: Charlotte Balavoine, Sylvain, Isabelle and Cyril.

Francoise will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her generous spirit, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Her life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.