Thelma L. Francis

Thelma L. (Stewart) Francis, 94, a resident of Londonderry, NH, formerly a longtime Chelmsford resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert S. Francis, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage until his passing in 2004.

Thelma was born in Lynn on January 31, 1927 and was the daughter of the late William B. P., Jr. and Florence E. (Hart) Stewart.

Thelma had a very long, very active, wonderful life. She was born and raised in Lynn, MA. and loved to tell stories of her escapades, roller skating to Nahant with her friend. She graduated Lynn-English High School in 1943, and went on to earn her degree in Medical Technology at the Mary Brooks School in Boston. She worked as a Medical Technician until she married, then she stayed home to raise her children. Later in life, Thelma worked as an assembler at a small electronics company, and then as a volunteer for the Red Cross at Fort Devens for many years.

Thelma loved to travel and explore new places, especially with her family and friends. She loved to hike, swim, kayak, do decorative art paintings, sew, and knit. She climbed many mountains, waterskied, snow skied, ice skated and danced in her younger years. She loved sharing her talents by making hats, mittens, and blankets for a womens shelter. Thelmas favorite trip was a European Alpine Adventure tour that she took with Bob and Jane in 1985. They toured Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and enjoyed all kinds of activities, cakes, and chocolate. Of all the places that Thelma had been, Newfound Lake in NH was by far her most favorite. She began going there with her family when she was 3 years old. She met her husband there and summered for decades at the cottage that her father had built there and left to her upon his passing. She loved life at the lake, taking every opportunity to go for a swim, go for a boat ride, kayak, or just float in an innertube with her friends.

Thelma loved animals, particularly cats and birds. Wherever she was, there was always a readily filled bird feeder and Thelma watching for her favorite Cardinals, Chickadees, and Finches. Her cats were always pampered and much loved.

Thelma leaves her children: Jane A. Mallinson and her husband Scott of Chester, NH, and William S. Francis and his wife Kathleen (Gleason) of Southborough, her grandchildren: Mark Mallinson, Jill (Francis) Leach, and Kimberley Francis, and her greatgrandchild Scarlett Francis.

Thelma was predeceased by her beloved brother Robert Stewart and his wife Elsie, whom she adored.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 9:30 am 11:00 am in the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Her Memorial service will be held in the funeral home following the visiting hours at 11 am. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. FOR EVERYONES SAFETY, THE FAMILY IS REQUESTING THAT MASKS BE WORN.

Memorial donations may be made in Thelmas memory to MSPCA Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 or to Newfound Lake Region Assoc. 10 North Main St. Unit 1 Bristol, NH 03222.

Service Details
Visitation
When
January 12, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am
Location
Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home
Address
24 Worthen Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Funeral Service
When
January 12, 2022 11:00am
Location
Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home
Address
24 Worthen Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Interment
When
January 12, 2022 11:00am
Location
Pine Ridge Cemetery
Address
130 Billerica Road
CHELMSFORD, MA 01824