Jean M. Conro

August 7, 1932 - July 25, 2020

Jean M. Conro (nee Karsten), passed away Saturday evening, July 25, 2020, at The Sheridan at Tyler Creek in Elgin where she had resided the past several months. She was born August 7, 1932, in Elgin the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Hidding) Karsten. Jean was a graduate of St. Edward High School, Class of 1950. She married Arthur W. Conro, Jr. in 1956 at the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee. Jean and Arthur made their home in Elgin over 40 years and retired in Hatfield, WI on Lake Arbutus. Jean had worked at the Elgin Watch Factory and at Flexonics in the 1950’s and 10 years as a lunch room supervisor in U46. Born long before computers and the internet were household words. Jean would entertain herself with jigsaw puzzles and became quite a champ at completing them in record time. In her younger days, jean could be found tending to the many flower varieties in her garden, roses, irises, and daylilies were her favorites. Jean had a particular fondness for Hallmark movies all year long. She once commented she knew all the story lines for the Christmas movies. Jean was also an avid reader of mystery books, especially those written by her favorite author, Jon Patterson. She was also fond of the Clive Cussler book series. She is survived by her children, Cynthia (Steve) Vincent, Laura (Chris) Kukla, Michael (Jeanne) Conro, and Larry (Malea) Conro; 7 grandchildren Jennifer, Jonathan, Sean, Zack, Pamela, Crystal, and Michael; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Judy Proffitt; and a brother, Jerry (Margaret) Karsten. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur in 2013; and a brother, Ronald. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon Saturday, August 1, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Rd., Huntley. Cremation will follow mas and a private burial will be at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in West Dundee (River Valley Memorial Park). Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday July 31 at Fredrick Funeral Home, 284 Park St., Hampshire. Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced. Memorial contributions in her name should be directed to Transitions Hospice in Huntley or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.