Eleanor Jane Francis, age 101, a resident of Wheaton, Illinois passed away on June 23, 2021 at Anthology Assisted Living in Wheaton. She was born May 15, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Harry Glyndon and Bertha Anna Edmunds Stiles.

She lived and worked in downtown Chicago as the church secretary at the 2nd Presbyterian Church. This is where she met her future husband, the minister Joseph (Joe) Francis. After many years of service, they retired and moved to Wheaton, IL.

In retirement Eleanor (Jane) pursued her love of art, music, poetry and literature. She was a mentor to many and a great listener to all. She would speak frankly but always with kindness. She had amazing intuition, wisdom and above all, love of family, friends and faith.

She is survived by her sister Marilyn Buckstaff of Royal Oak MI and her nieces and nephews: Susan (Joseph) Cline of Mazomanie WI, Judith Rourke of Chicago IL, Patricia (Michael) Yurtinus of Glen Ellyn IL, Cynthia (Barry) Swidler of Missoula MT, Pamela Andreatta of Nashville TN, David (Erin) Riley of San Jose CA, and Christopher Buckstaff of Royal Oak MI.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Francis and two sisters Dorothy Thorpe and Corinne Suelke.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 17, at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 965 Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream, IL 60188. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Heritage Presbyterian Church, 965 Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream, IL 60188.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.