Francia M. Wilson

Francia Wilson, age 76, of Sheridan, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, after a long illness.

Francia was born on April 29, 1949, in Palmira, Colombia, to Enrique Gonzalez and Yolima Soto. She earned her law degree from the University of Santiago de Cali. Adventurous by nature, Francia traveled the world, spending time in Nicaragua before ultimately settling in Spain. It was there that she met Dan, who was teaching English abroad—the beginning of a loving partnership that would shape the rest of her life.

Francia was deeply devoted to her family and will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and incredible cooking. Many were fortunate to enjoy her famous, generous platters of paella. She worked as a teacher’s aide, where she made a lasting impact by helping children adjust to school when English was their second language, offering patience, understanding, and encouragement.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of forty years, Dan Wilson; her sons Fernando Fustero (Arika), Justin Wilson (Kara), and Andrew Wilson (Sofia); her sister Nina Gonzalez; sisters-in-law Sue Wright (Jim), Mary Smith (Bob), and Christa Dallmann (Julian); brothers-in-law Jim Wilson (Jane), Tom Wilson (Jody), Jon Wilson (Jamie), Tim Wilson (Siri), and Mark Wilson (Angie); and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Eloy Gonzalez.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St, Sandwich, Illinois 60548. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandwich, Illinois. A luncheon will follow the interment at St. Paul’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandwich.

Francia’s love, kindness, and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com