Frances was one of 13 children born to William and Aileen Morrissey on November 11, 1935, in Amboy, IL. She married Harold “ Gene” Carroll on September 3, 1956, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy, IL. Together for 60 years, they devoted their marriage to their faith and raising their nine beautiful children: the late Stephanie (the late Mark) Mastrogiovanni, Kathleen Carroll, Ann (the late Steven) Prehn, Susan (John) Harrison, Michael (Gayle) Carroll, Mary (Brett) Dyche, Patrick (Valarie) Carroll, Jennifer (Michael) Jones, and Mark (Andrea) Carroll. Frances also held close to her heart Renee Ravenott, whom she lovingly nurtured as a foster daughter for 10 years.
Frances was a treasured grandmother to 24 grandchildren: Adam (Saby) Mastrogiovanni, Melissa (Zach) Dyrda, Kelly (Mark Wieckowski) Prehn, Patrick (Cara) Prehn, Christopher (Kylie) Prehn, Grant Harrison, Meghan Harrison, Allison (Matt) Butin, Sean (Jenna) Carroll, Eric (Jacquelin) Carroll, Justin (Alyssa) Dyche, Elizabeth (Josh Pierce) Dyche, Katherine (Colin) Koratko, Zachary (Shay Daugherty) Dyche, Natalie Dyche, Jacob Pesavento, Collin (Carlie) Fleming, Ella Carroll, Mia Carroll, Ryan Jones, Geena Jones, Jack Carroll, Sam Carroll and Will Carroll; and a proud great-grandmother of 23, each of whom was touched by her warmth, generosity, and unwavering presence.
Frances is survived by four dear siblings: Rita ( the late Alvin) Glenn, Lois (the late Lloyd) Considine, Monica (the late Jack) Scorby, and Larry (the late Carol Foglesong) Morrissey. She is also survived by her devoted sister-in-law, Nancy (Dr. Martin) Mihm, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Frances is preceded in death by her loving husband Gene, her parents, William and Aileen Morrissey, her mother and father-in-law, Harold and Georgia Carroll, her siblings: Rosemary (the late George) Hawks, Fr. William “Buddy” Morrissey, Joseph (the late Josephine) Morrissey, John (the late Corrine) Morrissey, Barbara (the late LeRoy) Goy, Elizabeth (the late Louis) Wilhelm, Colleen (the late Douglas) Koch and Robert Morrissey, in infancy; as well as her dear brother-in-law, Donald (the late Lee) Carroll. Frances is also reunited in Heaven with her beloved daughter Stephanie Mastrogiovanni, two sons-in-law, Steven Prehn and Mark Mastrogiovanni, and her infant great-grandson, Harvey Harold Prehn.
Growing up on the farm in Amboy, she and her siblings experienced the hard work and simple pleasures of helping with chores before sunrise, preparing and sharing family meals around the table, and attending mass together. After graduating from Amboy High School and having grown up in a devout Irish Catholic Family, Frances felt a calling to the convent. She entered St. Francis Convent as a postulant. After prayerful consideration, she realized her true calling was to be a loving wife and mother.
Frances spent many years raising her family in Romeoville, IL, where she was an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. She worked numerous events, including the annual St. Andrew’s Christmas bazaars and carnivals, but most importantly, was a member of the Council of Catholic Women, by which she was named “Woman of the Year” in 1980. Among the fondest of those memories were the Christmas seasons spent caroling with her lifelong friends, “The Wayback Pack”. Together, they raised their families, celebrated milestones, and gathered for annual family picnics. Additionally, Frances, along with her husband, continued their involvement in their nine children’s catholic education through St. Andrew’s School, Joliet Catholic, St. Francis Academy, and Joliet Catholic Academy.
More than anything, Frances treasured her family and often spoke about how blessed she felt to watch generations of her family grow while residing in Shorewood and being a parishioner of Holy Family Church for over 36 years. Wherever she lived, she created a home filled with love, comfort, and an open door to anyone in need. Her life’s work was caring for her husband, children, and grandchildren, with a selfless spirit that defined her every day.
Frances was the heartbeat of her family. She instilled the beautiful legacy of holiday traditions, such as cooking and baking, which she so dearly enjoyed. She and her sister Lois worked tirelessly, hosting large family gatherings at Dry Gulch, a cabin in the family for over 55 years.
The family would like to recognize the extraordinary love and devotion shown by all the nurses and caregivers through AIMS and Integrity Health Care, Lightways Hospice of Joliet, and Frances’ devoted children. In addition, the family would like to offer its sincerest gratitude to Cathy Slamecka for her extraordinary care, compassion, and friendship over the past several years.
Frances’ faith guided every aspect of her life and was reflected in the kindness and generosity she shared with all who knew her. For 90 blessed years, she lived with quiet strength, unwavering faith, and grace which guided her through every season of life. She will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 2:00– 6:00 pm (Rosary at 5:30 pm) at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 32 N. Jones St., Amboy. Mass of Christian burial will be Monday, June 8, at 10:30 am. Visitation will be 9:00 – 10:15 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Amboy, IL, St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Romeoville, IL, Holy Family Church, Shorewood, IL, Lightways Hospice of Joliet.
