Carol Francis

Carol Joanne Mattson Francis, age 65, of Waseca passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Homestead Hospice House.  She was comforted by the heartfelt love and support from family and friends. She is best remembered for her loving, thoughtful, kind and caring presence.

Carol was born on December 7,1952 in St. Peter MN to Conrad and Arline (Adolphson) Mattson. There were six children in the family. Throughout her life she cherished time with extended family at reunions, holidays, celebrations, and informal gatherings.

Carol graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1971. She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis and graduated with a Master of Science Degree with a focus on Psych-Mental Health Nursing. She was a licensed Social Worker and Registered Nurse. Professionally she worked in mental health centers, day treatment programs, a nursing home, camp health services, an Indian reservation and public school settings.

On June 11, 1977 Carol married her love, Michael Francis. They were blessed with over forty years of marriage. During their married life they lived in St. Cloud, Onamia, Delaware OH, and Waseca. Together they raised their two children, Joel and Mariana. She adored her family. They brought great love and joy to her life.

Carol was a true friend and ultimate people person. With a fun-loving spirit, she sought to live life to its fullest.  She loved music, the outdoors, traveling, camping, hikes and long walks, gardening, woodcrafts, playing games, reading, journaling, and various sports. These interests led to studying abroad, singing in choirs, leading or assisting in youth programs, belonging to book clubs, and pursuing volunteer opportunities. She served as a parent volunteer at a Korean culture camp.  Nationally, Carol organized and coordinated the first retreat for families who adopted children from Romania.  She mentored those entering the field of social work. She served on a library board and on volunteer teams that planned specific service projects. She was a certified Yoga Calm Instructor. And often overlooked, is a short athletic running career that resulted with an invite to the 1981 National Sports Festival. She thoroughly enjoyed shared experiences that brought people together. She will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched.

Throughout her life Carol was guided by faith. She respected different thoughts and opinions with regards to spirituality, but was sincere in Christian worship, fellowship, and service. She embraced God’s grace in Jesus Christ and held close the promise of eternal life.

Carol is survived by her husband Michael of Waseca; her children Joel of Elkton, MD and Mariana of Mankato; as well as her brothers Dan Mattson of Oakland, CA; Randy Mattson (Kathy) of Jordan; Ross Mattson (Kate) of Mpls.; her sister Becky Kanengieter (Ron) of Sioux Falls, SD; mother-in-law Barbara Francis of Austin; brother-in-laws Tom Bryan (Sara) of Eau Claire, WI, Tom Francis of St. Peter; nieces and nephews; relatives and special friends from all walks of life. Carol is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Audry Bryan, and father in law Joyce (Jack) Francis.

Funeral services and celebration of her life will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018, at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Kristi Mitchell officiating. 

Visitation will be held at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca on Thursday, February 8, 2018 from 4-6 PM and continue on Friday, one hour before services at the church.

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