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.
Mathieu B
August 16, 2025, 5:16 pm
De nombreuses années sans se voir. Françoise tu resteras ma tata des USA qui m’a fait découvrir le nouveau monde avec ton franglais haut en couleur. Tu resteras en ma mémoire toi et nounours.
A dieu et merci.
Claudia Kogan
August 16, 2025, 9:53 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss please except my condolences to you and your family.
Nancy Bubel
August 17, 2025, 2:43 am
Lisa, condolences to you and your family. Francoise was very fortunate to have you take care of her in her later years. Your her angel.
Randy & Ruth Tripp
August 17, 2025, 10:58 am
Lisa & John, Just want to say our deepest condolences to you & your family. We pray that God will comfort you during this time of sorrow. Although we rejoice that she is with the Savior & has no pain anymore. Blessed Assurance, meaning you will see her again. We Love you all in the Lord knowing this. .Praise God! Randy, Ruth, & Alan Tripp
Douglas Smith
August 18, 2025, 2:56 pm
Dear Lisa and Angelique,
We loved your mom since the day she came to live with us in Chicago in 1962. She was a good soul, always smiling and laughing.
Andy, Doug and Ted Smith
Florine B
August 18, 2025, 4:26 pm
Que de souvenirs avec toi et nounours. Tu étais la cousine “américaine” avec qui j’ai beaucoup appris et partagé, celle avec qui j’ai découvert les USA. Merci pour tout Françoise. Je ne t’oublierai pas.
A Dieu