Frances M. Manchen

Visitation Date: Saturday, January 29, 2022
Visitation Time: 9:00 a.m. until Chapel Service 12 noon
Funeral Date: Saturday, January 29th, 2022
Funeral Time: 12:00 pm
Place of Funeral: Salerno's Galewood Chapels
Funeral Notes: During visiting hours it is still recommended to follow the State of Illinois guidelines, guests should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Interment: Saint Joseph Cemetery

Frances M. Manchen nee: Campanelli; Beloved wife of Francis A.; Devoted mother Dany, April (Henry) Lapezo, Frank, Michael (Victoria) and Anthony; Fond grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of 4; Dear sister of Jessie (the late Carl) Vainisi, the late Nicolette (the late Vito) Filiponio, the late Rocco (the late Jeannette) Campanelli.

Francesca “Chickie” Manchen was the youngest child born to Italian parents Michael and Anna Campanelli, becoming the first of their children born in the U.S. Fran married her High School sweetheart, Frank Manchen in 1961 and recently celebrated her 60th Wedding Anniversary. She worked in the jewelry business managing stores for much of her adult life creating loyal customers that would come back to see my mom no matter where they had move to.

When she wasn’t working, she found pleasure spending time in her garden, sitting on the porch holding court with many of the neighbors and chasing us kids around the pool with the hose. She was a great cook and often had the grandkids begging for her meatballs.

Mom was always proud to tell stories of her younger days as ballet dancer and an athlete playing softball with the boys which blossomed into playing as an adult with the other moms in the neighborhood. We will always remember her being well dressed and often being heard racing down the street with her led foot firmly on the gas. You always knew when Fran entered the room. She carried herself with grace, elegancy, and had a heart of gold. She was truly one of a kind that will be terribly missed. Arrangement by Ralph Massey Funeral Director.