Marsha L. Francis

Marsha Lusk Francis, 87, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Friday, October 11, 2024, in her home.

Her life began March 13, 1937, in Waukegan, Illinois, the eldest of two children born to Edward and Elma (Spencer) Lusk. She grew up in Lake Zurich, Illinois. After graduating from the University of Illinois, as a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, she married Ronald Wiggins Francis June 21, 1958, in Lake Zurich, Illinois. He preceded her in death in March of 2021, after nearly sixty-three years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her son, Reid, in 2020.

Marsha will be dearly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by her daughter, Shari Soncrant of Englewood, Florida; her daughter-in-law, Janet Francis of Cassopolis; five grandchildren, Hayley (Blake) Oliver of Toledo, Ohio, Austin (Miranda) Francis of Cassopolis, Brittany Francis of Denver, Colorado, Gavin (Paige) Francis, Lane Francis, both of Cassopolis; six great-grandchildren, Nixon Oliver, Deacon Oliver, Lillian Francis, Eloise Francis, Lincoln Francis, including one on the way; sister, Marlene Tutt of Marco Island, Florida; sister-in-law, Marilyn Stone of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

When Marsha met Ron in college, she was introduced to his family and the wonders of Diamond Lake, and she came to cherish both. She considered herself blessed beyond measure to enjoy living on the lake for the bulk of her life. Her home and family were her passion, and she took great pride and pleasure in entertaining family and friends frequently, sharing the joys of lake living.

From 1968 through 1971, Ron and Marsha moved their family to Tokyo, Japan, during Ron’s tenure with Miles Laboratories. Marsha embraced the opportunity to step far out of her comfort zone and take on the challenges of raising two young children in a foreign country, thousands of miles from extended family. While living there, they took advantage of the opportunity to travel the world extensively and shared many wonderful adventures and experiences.

Upon returning to the states, they established their year round home on Diamond Lake where Marsha focused on being a homemaker, mom, and valuable partner, while Ron built his printing business, Impressions Inc.. When Ron was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2004, Marsha became his champion and dove into researching all she could to learn about the disease and how to best help him cope and thrive. She ultimately became his full-time caregiver, only ceding that responsibility when it became more than she could physically manage but staying by his side until his passing.

Marsha cherished her time with family and was especially excited about watching her grandchildren become parents and knowing her great-grandchildren. A number of years ago, she joined a weekly ladies card group and loved making some new friends and frequently hosting the group. She continued annual trips to Florida that she and Ron had always made every winter, as well.

Her family looks forward to welcoming friends to remember and celebrate Marsha’s life during an Open House on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Diamond Lake Yacht Club, 21316 Shore Acres Road, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Marsha be made to The Cass County Council on Aging, Post Office Box 5, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031-0005 or at casscoa.org, or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, Post Office Box 4777, New York, New York 10163 or at give.michaeljfox.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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