Mrs. Frances Van Gieson Carman, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on July 20, 2020 at Seminary Manor Nursing Home.
Frances was born on August 22, 1928 in Washington, D.C. to Henry Vernon and Cornelia Jenks Dysinger Grothe. She married Jim Van Gieson in 1950 in Galesburg and had four children, Julie, Peter, John and Kris. She later married Dr. Charles W. Carman in 1990 also in Galesburg.
Frances is survived by her children, Peter (Jeanne) Van Gieson of Springfield, Illinois, Julie Van Gieson of St. Charles, Illinois, and Kris (Kathie McCarthy) Van Gieson of Bainbridge Island, Washington. Her son John Van Gieson of Indianola, Washington preceded her in death in 2016. She is survived by her Carman family Charles H. (Marianne Vick) Carman, Cynthia (Jim) Rich, and Anne (Jerry) Carman-Hendel. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Shelby Van Gieson, Kelsey (Jeremy) Baier, Kira McGieson, Izak McGieson, Beth (Paul) Dokolasa, Hallack Rich, Chuck and Carl Carman and two great grandchildren, Thea and Lane Baier. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her special friend Charles Rakers, her sisters Elizabeth Williamson and Cornelia Knapp.
Frances began her education in Washington D.C., graduating from high school in 1946. She earned her BA in Music Education from Knox College in 1950 and her Masters in Education from Western Illinois University in 1981. Frances taught music education in Knoxville and in Galesburg before and after raising her family. She taught full time from 1970-1990, first at Lincoln, Steele and later Reading at Lombard.
She joined Clio in 1958, was a member of Hawthorne Club, PEO and a member of Asha for Life. She especially enjoyed supporting local music performed by Nova Singers and Knox Galesburg Symphony. She was a member and officer of Community Chorus.
In retirement she remained active with her seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy. She was a Reading Buddy, was very involved in the life of the church, and was always finding ways to support and encourage friends and family. Frances was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
She was a kind and generous soul, quietly living her faith in her thoughts, words and deeds. She will be missed by all whose lives she has touched.
A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Carrie Carnes officiating. The times and dates for services will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Knox College. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
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