Name: Visitation for Joanne M. Francis
Start: 2020-08-05T22:30:00.000Z
End: 2020-08-06T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Mystic Funeral Home - Mystic

MYSTIC - Joanne M. Francis, 77, formerly of Pawcatuck, CT died Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Mystic Healthcare & Rehab Center in Mystic, CT where she had been a resident for many years.

Born in Westerly, RI she was the daughter of the late George W. Francis Sr. and Mary (Champlin) Francis and was a graduate of Stonington High School class of 1961.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, George W. Francis Jr. and Linda Francis of Pawcatuck, with whom she made her home with for many years prior to living at Mystic Healthcare; her three nephews, Stephen, Scott and Ryan Francis; a great-nephew, Brendan Francis and a great-niece, Miranda Francis.

She was an avid sports fan and never missed an opportunity to watch her beloved Red Sox and also UCONN Women's Basketball.

Joanne had a long and distinguished career in the Insurance industry, beginning with the C.A. Morgan Insurance in Westerly as Office Manager and Treasurer for twenty years. She eventually went on to become an Insurance Adjuster and Claims Examiner for NLC Insurance in Norwich, CT up until her retirement in 1996. Her years spent in the insurance sector, earned her the professional designation of CIC (Certified Insurance Councilor) and CPIW (Certified Professional Insurance Woman) affording her the opportunity to teach numerous insurance courses over the years.

A faithful and active communicant of St. Mary Church in Stonington. She was not only one of the original benefactors of the church but, Joanne was a former CCD Teacher and Money Counter. She was also a member and secretary of the first elected Parish Council, a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She also volunteered for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.

For many years, Joanne lived with Multiple Sclerosis, that at times, was difficult for her. Her strong faith and positive attitude was admired by those that knew her and she was an inspiration to many.

Her family will receive relatives and friends, Wednesday, August 5th from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. Social distancing guidelines will be in place when entering the funeral home. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, at 10:00 am at St. Mary Church in Stonington. Following her mass, she will be buried at St. Mary Cemetery in Stonington.

Donations in her memory can be made to the CT MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Westerly Sun from Aug. 2 to Aug. 3, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Francis

Sponsored by Mystic Funeral Home - Mystic.

5 Entries

Debra Mosena

October 13, 2024

George and Linda so sorry I didn't know when Joanne passed. We had 6.5 years together. She was definitely a strong women. You guys were her life but I know you knew that. Family was everything to her. She enjoyed every moment you all shared. She was so proud of your boys. She lit up just telling me about you all.

Frederick Souza

August 25, 2020

George and Linda, I was sorry to learn of Joanne's passing, particularly to learn of it only now when it is long past the funeral. My sympathy to you and your sons on the loss of your devoted sister and their devoted aunt. Memories of days on the Trumbull Street corner will never be forgotten, and Joanne was always the voice of reason. Treasure those memories to always keep her alive in your hearts and minds.

Merle Perkins

August 5, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. George and Linda my condolence to the family.

Gerri (Moniz) Stiles

August 4, 2020

Joanne and I were classmates at SHS and were buddies since grade school. I remember a Halloween party in the basement of your Pawcatuck home where we had a sleepover. It was right by West Broad Street School. Of course we both went to CCD at St. Michaels and would both become active in church. We hung around together and were in many of the same classes. She was a smart cookie and was a much faster typist than I was! I ended up going to Bryant for business education and we continued to see each other when I was on vacation. I think you were living in Stonington by then (my grandmother lived at 33 Water Street). I got married right after college and moved to Maine and raised a family. I had a 32-year teaching career at a local 2-year business college so we lost touch over the years. My cousin Robin Pont would keep me abreast of all of Joanne's activities. She led such a fulfilling life; I admired her gumption, even after her MS diagnosis. I know had I stayed in Pawcatuck we would have continued our friendship, for we always got along well--and we both loved going to basketball games at SHS too! Your family was blessed by her presence.