Carmen Dolores (Barone) Francois' journey ended June 30, 2025.  But what a journey it has been!

Proud daughter of Italian immigrants, Carmen was born in Portland, Oregon, on September 23, 1929. Her family briefly lived in Spokane before settling in the Wallingford area of Seattle. She survived childhood polio and was valedictorian of the Class of 1948 at Seattle's Holy Angels Academy.

In 1950, Carmen married Robert Francois.  She and Bob proceeded to have 12 children in quick succession. She was ‘grandma’ to 29 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren.

Carmen was a lifelong devoted Catholic. Growing up she attended St. Benedict’s parish in Seattle, raised her family at St. Pius X Parish in Mountlake Terrace and in retirement was a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Lynnwood.

Many would see her as a daughter, wife, mother and homemaker, but she was so much more.  She was the glue holding her large family together, a den mother for cub scouts, a CCD teacher for her parish, board member for various entities, a longtime volunteer for St. Vincent De Paul missions, and immeasurably more.

Her optimistic attitude was a blessing and kept her going through both the good times and the hard times.  She aspired to treat everyone with respect, dignity and kindness, a worthy goal for a life well lived.

Her family and friends were the center of her universe, and she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.  She was so grateful for her sisters, Mary and Gloria, her true supporters and preceded in death by her brother Mike.  As she aged, she moved to Quail Park in Lynnwood, and the staff and residents there became a part of her family, too.  We will all miss her.

Carmen is survived by her children Bob (Linda), Michele (Jim), Steve (Angela), David (Jo-Ann), Jim (Denise), Paul, Chris (Lon), Greg, Marty, Larry (Julie), son-in-law Pat and daughter-in-law Lisa.  Also by her sisters Mary and Gloria (Jim) and sister-in-law Rita.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her children Cathy and Dan.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, 10:30AM, at St. Thomas More Parish, 6511 176th Street SW, Lynnwood, Washington. Inurnment at Holyrood Cemetery Mausoleum, 205 NE 205th Street, Shoreline, WA. Luncheon following the mass at the Nile Shrine Center, 6601 244th Street SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA.

Remembrances in her honor may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or to your local food bank.

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