Francis J. Auffrey

Francis J. Auffrey
of Fitchburg; 84

FITCHBURG -- Francis J. Auffrey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, passed away Thursday, November 21st, 2013, with his loving family by his side.

Francis was born in Pre-Den-Haut, New Brunswick, Canada to Wilfred and Hermance (Gaudet) Auffrey on June 17, 1929. He married the love of his life, Marie Bourque of Scoudouc, New Brunswick, on August 30, 1958 and they moved to Fitchburg, Mass. in 1961.

Francis worked at various locations in the Fitchburg/Leominster area before his retirement in 1991. He was employed at Decotone as a color-matcher, and later he worked as a wire and cable respooler at Mohawk Wire and Cable in Leominster.

Francis was given an unlucky turn in life when he contracted polio at a young age, but he never let his disability hold him back. Even in his later years, Francis was very active. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his wife and family and he especially enjoyed fiddling music. He was a self-taught fiddler and could play music by ear. Francis was a very family-oriented man and he took great pride in his children and their spouses, grandchildren, and his one-year old great-grandchild. He was a very devout Catholic who supported the St. Joseph's Parish community for many years. Francis was a lover of life and he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for all. Francis and Marie were known for their hospitality and always hosted large family gatherings around the holidays. He always held a special place in his heart for Canada and returned there at least once a year to visit family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Marie (Bourque) Auffrey who died in 2008. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughters, Francine Guy (Francis) of Fitchburg, Colombe Hopple (James) of Concord, and Charlene LaFosse (Allan) of Athol. He also leaves a son, John Auffrey of Leominster. He leaves his grandchildren, Marie Barrette (Eric) of Ashburnham, Abraham Guy (Rebbeca) of Leicester, James Hopple Jr., of Montgomery, AL, Jessica Lesinger (Cory) of Las Vegas, NV, and Julia and Robert LaFosse of Athol. He also leaves a great-grandchild, Ayden Barrette. He was predeceased by his brothers, Alban Auffrey, Walter Auffrey, Alfred (Freddie) Auffrey, and his sister, Germaine Auffrey and Flora Legere. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his wife Marie's extended family. He leaves his sisters, Alva Auffrey, Ella Auffrey, Marie Bourgeois (Camille), Aline Richard, and Edna Leger, of New Brunswick, Canada.

"We know that you're up in heaven with 2 good legs dancing and fiddling up a storm. We miss you so much already Daddy and give Mom a big kiss and hug for us."

AUFFREY -- Calling hours are Tuesday, November 26, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, November 27, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 49 Woodland St., Fitchburg. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.