Karen Francone's Legacy
Karen Francone began her career at the Service League 35 years ago as a Hope House Substance Use Disorder Counselor. She worked her way up to Hope House Director, Service League Director, and finally as Executive Director for the last 13 years. Karen was passionate about working in the field of re-entry and recovery and loved providing second chances for those who were incarcerated and suffering from their addictions. She felt honored to be a part of their new life while helping them reunite with their families, stay out of jail, remain clean and sober, and get healthy. She believed that change is a mind, body and spirit experience and was often heard saying “don’t quit before the miracle.”
Karen was an inspiring leader and a passionate servant to everyone who came to her for help. Throughout her career, she helped thousands of men, women and families gain the skills and confidence to start a new life. She was the heart and soul of our organization, and her loss will be deeply felt by all of us forever.
The Service League remains dedicated to continuing Karen's great work and finding new ways to serve the men, women and families who need us most.
To share a memory or story of Karen, please email info@serviceleague.org so we can add it here as a way to remember her bright, shining spirit.
“I did know Karen, she stood next to me while I spoke at the annual prayer breakfast. I thought it was going to be like sharing at a 12 step meeting and when I saw 300 plus people there I was intimidated and nervous. She walked up to the podium with me and I distinctly remember how it felt to be up there with Karen next to me. I felt calm I felt safe I felt confident and I felt proud. I had this sensation of knowing without a doubt I was doing something good I was doing the right thing. Knowing who she was and what she stood for and just her aura having her next to me really gave me the courage to be myself. I didn’t write anything down and we didn’t practice anything. Karen just said 'go up there hunny and just tell them the truth, you’re going to do great.' She was right. I had the blessing of participating in a few other things with her but that prayer breakfast memory is very special to me.” - Ryan G.
“Karen was a huge part of who and where I am today, and how deep of an impact she had on my life and many others. My heart is heavy with the news of her passing. Her bright light and love for all the Women, children and Men she helped will forever be felt. If you take a look at her compassionate and empathy for those you will see a SUPERWOMAN and most of all a Woman of God! I love you Karen! I will miss you Karen! My condolences go out to my Sisters and brothers. She created a family amongst us all! Rest in Heaven Karen! May your legacy forever live on and continue to bring people together.” - Jessie R.
“My heart is heavy with the news of Ms. Karen's passing. She was the leader of Hope House, a place that had a profound impact on my life. The care, structure, and compassion I found there helped me learn to live differently, overcome my struggles, and begin to heal. I'm grateful for the support and opportunities Ms. Karen and Hope House provided me. Her kindness and legacy will never be forgotten, and her impact will continue to live on through the lives she touched.” - Jaida P.
“Karen was a bright light. She was so committed to the work of the Service League and helping those that need assistance. I will miss her tremendously. She helped us in our quest to open Tim's House. Sending love to all and especially her dear husband.” - Stacey R.
“A Tribute to a remarkable woman, a leader in the recovery services field who touched countless lives through her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of transformation. She was loved, admired, and deeply respected by all who knew her and came to know her. Her leadership was more than a role, it was a calling. She led with humility, empathy, and grace, inspiring others not only to heal but to believe in their own worth and potential. Her laughter filled rooms, her encouragement lifted spirits, and her presence brought peace to those walking difficult roads. 'And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.' Galatians 6:9. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of the many she helped, the colleagues she mentored, and the communities she strengthened. May we honor her by carrying forward her passion for service, her kindness toward others, and her faith in the power of renewal. Karen you will truly be missed. Thank you for everything.” - Isabelle V.
“Karen was just such a special person! I became friends with her when we were attending classes in The Alcohol and other Drugs program. I did my internship at Hope House under Karen. She was THE BEST!! I will truly miss my dear friend.” – Pat K.
“Karen's energy was boundless, even through her illness. Her devotion to helping others was always front of mind in her. And always, her sense of humor comforted and delighted everyone who knew her. Rest in peace dear Karen.” - Debbie L.
“I worked with Karen back in the early days and the thing I remember most about her was her dedication. This is a huge loss to the service community. I know she’s in a better place now, but while she was here she definitely made this place a better place.” - John J.
"While working my whole career at the Sheriff’s Office, I first met Karen in the 90s working in our correctional facilities. She had a special spark and passion about her job for providing the best opportunities for those needing to reset their lives in a positive direction. Little did we know at the Sheriff’s Office that Karen was also influencing all of us too. She helped us understand how impactful the time spent by those incarcerated was not just about “serving time” but how lives were changed by the positive influence of the Service League and by the Sheriff’s Office staff as well. The Service League brought “Hope” to those in jail and after release by accepting to improve themselves through accountable, guidance, and support by the Service League. In reviewing the name Service League of San Mateo County, the word league is described as an association or group of people, clubs, organizations, or countries that have joined together for a particular purpose or because they share a common interest; improving people’s lives and the greater community. That is what the partnership the Sheriff’s Office, Probation, Correctional Health, Job Train, and other Police agencies and service providers have with the Service League. Creating an environment with successful programming and services for those incarcerated in our jails to successfully reintegrate them back into the community. Karen followed in the path of other successful Service League Executive Directors; Elizabeth Gheleta, Mike Nevin, in advancing the organization forward year after year. Karen had a special understanding of those struggling and had her own way to guide them to accept the help in order to improve their lives and the lives of others. Karen left her footprints on this world and no doubt is creating new ones in the next. All my prayers and sympathies go out to Karen’s husband; her family; and the Service League of San Mateo County. May you rest in peace, Karen." - Trisha S.
"Karen was such an important part of our ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church in the 25 years I pastored there. She continued the work started by our member and then sheriff, John Edmonds, when Hope House was launched by him and others who wanted to stop the recidivism by helping women coming out of jail with untreated addiction issues. “Wait for the miracle” was her mantra, and she helped make many healing miracles happen. Some of those miracles joined our church and became healers themselves. I am so grateful for the way she invited me into Hope House and encouraged my partnership. I have learned SO much from the women and from her, and I will continue to as I meet with them monthly and pray for them daily. I will miss her greatly!" - Mary G.
"Karen was my friend, she was like a daughter, as well as my Trainer and Counselor when I did my internship for my CADAC. Never to be forgotten. Serving with her at Hope House, and Service League has been an honor! Praying for her husband, and all that loved her." - Mary F.
"Karen was just wonderful with all she touched. She will be missed. God has a good one now. Her love will carry on as Divine Love always unfolds goodness." Billie P.
