Fannie Tornquist

We learn so many things from our Mother, lessons on life, love and happiness. How to be an amazing parent. How to be persistent and resilient in life. How to be devoted, loyal and dedicated to family and friends. Our teacher, our Mother; is Fannie Tornquist of North Henderson, Illinois, 87. On Sunday, November 6, 2016, surrounded by family, she ascended to heaven to be with her beloved daughter, Lisa Clark. Imagine if we treated everyone like our Mothers. Fannie was a loyal friend, a loving wife and a fierce, dedicated and committed mother. Fannie was an ardent reader and traveler. She was the only daughter to Giuseppe and Lucrezia Tropino, Italian immigrants from Sicily, Italy. The family resided in Galesburg, Illinois. With her three brothers she acquired the necessary skills to help her become the woman she is today. Joe, Frank and Sam watched over her for those early years. She was the youngest of the family but became the strongest of the Tropino family. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1947 and attended Browns Business College. After graduation she headed to California to pursue a job and adventure. We’re not sure but Hollywood could have been calling. Mom was a beautiful young woman. At the encouragement of her mother, she headed back to help with the family and began a job at Burlington Truck Lines. Where she met our father, James S. Clark and married in January 9th 1951. She changed jobs and began a long a rewarding career at OMC Galesburg for over 28 years. She was fierce and loving mother to her son; Randy and daughters; Cindy and Lisa. All about 5 years apart. She dedicated her life to caring for her children. There was absolute nothing she would not do to help them. She was a familiar person at the Cottage Emergency hospital hovering over her son, Randy and the various sports and ill timed acrobatic feats. Some of her favorite memories were trips to St. Louis with her large Italian families; The Finazzo’s and Palazzolos. In 1978 Jim Clark passed away. She retired from OMC and began a rewarding career as a volunteer at the Cottage Hospital and the Galesburg Food Pantry She spent time as a food demonstrator throughout the local grocery stores. She loved to talk with all the different people... In 1984 she met the loved of her life, a John Tornquist. They loved to dance, travel and entertain. Our Mom was quite the dancer. Unfortunately those skills did not transcend to her children. We are working on that, Mom. Unfortunately, our Mother suffered the cruelest fate as a parent; her beautiful daughter, Lisa Clark, 27, passed away in a car accident in 1991. No parent should have to face that punishment but our Mother prevailed and began to help other families facing the same tragedies. She was a tender and loving friend to many people suffering. Our Mother was a traveler, an adventurer. She traveled to Italy, Denmark, England, Ireland, and Scotland. At her side was the presence of her daughter; Lisa and some trips her daughter Cindy attended. Our mother loved her grandchildren; Patrick Losure, Bradley Clark and William Clark. She took great pride in their achievements and as usual worried about Patrick’s acrobatic bmx tricks and Brad and Will’s sports competitions. Our Mother fought bravely with her cancer. In the end she escaped that pain and accepted Lisa invitation to join her in heaven. Our mother was comfortable with who she was; and she never tried to be anyone else. She knew that she had tried her best. She had come from modest beginnings but had lived a charmed and happy life with the love of her best friend and husband; John. And she loved her family and knew that they loved her. We wish we could tell you how much we mean to us but there are no word to describe how much we admire you, how much we appreciate you and how much we thank you, for everything you’ve done, we will always love and now always and forever miss you. Donations can be made to local Galesburg Food pantry, she would like that. A private service will be held of Oaklawn on Friday, November 11th. A memorial mass will be held at 4:30 at Corpus Christi Church with Father William Miller. An open reception will follow at 5:00 – 7:00 at the Corpus Christi Parish Hall. The Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Online Condolences may be left at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Fannie Tornquist please visit our Sympathy Store.