Frances Aileen (Shunick) Unger, 68, of McHenry, IL, passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2022, with her devoted husband by her side. She was born February 10, 1954, in Galesburg, IL, the daughter of John David and Martha (Lafferty) Shunick.
Frances graduated from Monmouth High School, Monmouth, IL in 1972 and Bill Hill’s College of Cosmetology, Fort Madison, IA in 1978. She started her career working in a salon and evolved into sales leadership and business development, most notably with Matrix Essentials and Aquage SalonQuest, until she retired in 2019. She was a beloved icon in her industry, inspiring others and making a difference in so many lives along the way.
She married Robert (Bob) Unger on January 1, 2000, and they shared nearly 26 memorable years together. Their grandchildren lovingly referred to her as “Granny Franny”, a role she cherished. Frances loved playing board games with them, teaching them new card games, hearing about their schools, friends, interests and many accomplishments!
Frances enjoyed life, family, friends, traveling, the beach, boating, and finding “tasty” recipes for Bob to make for her. She loved sitting on her porch while winning at backgammon (and then sharing about winning at backgammon). Frances was truly “one in a million”, a caring and loving wife, granny, sister, aunt, cousin and loyal friend who loved to laugh and be a positive influence. She enriched so many lives and we will hold her in our hearts forever!
Survivors include her beloved husband, Bob, his sons Aaron (Sari) Unger and two grandchildren Evan and Ashley of Northbrook, IL and Benjamin (Abby) Unger and two granddaughters Stella and Ivy of Highland Park, IL; one brother-in-law Stuart (Marlena) Unger of Chicago, IL; two brothers David Shunick of Cathedral City, CA, Steve (Connie) Shunick of Galesburg, IL; two sisters Nancy Lowthorp of Burlington, IA and Judy (Steve) Full of Monterey, TN; Frances and Bob’s sweet dachshund, Maja; several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends that she considered family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband’s parents, brother Douglas Bennett; brother-in-law, Randall Lowthorp; sister-in-law Karen Shunick and dachshund, Buster.
A private family graveside service will be held in Alexis, IL and a celebration of Frances’ life will be planned for a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Midwest Dachshund Rescue (mwdr.org), or St. Jude’s & Lutheran General Nurses & Oncology. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
