Mary Frances "Fran" Mathieu

Mary Frances "Fran" (O'Farrell) Mathieu, 96, longtime Auburn resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2024 with her loving family at her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Paul E. Mathieu, who passed in 1989.
Fran leaves her devoted children, Brian P. Mathieu and his wife Jackie, of Nashua, NH, and Deirdre M. McLeod and her husband Michael; grandchildren, Jennifer Yakas and her husband Tommy, of San Diego, CA, Kelsey Miller and her husband A.J., of Marlborough, Elizabeth (Dube) Leone and her husband Zachary, of Worcester, Sadie McLeod, and Lucian McLeod, both of Durham, NH; a great-granddaughter, Emma Jane Yakas; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also predeceased by her four brothers, Patrick, Kevin, Desmond, and Eamon O'Farrell.
Fran was born in Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland, daughter of the late Patrick "Paddy" and Catherine (O'Malley) O'Farrell. She was educated in the Sisters of Mercy School in Killarney, and then moved to the United States. Fran settled in Worcester, and attended the former Kay Foley Wards Business School, as well as the former Ollis Beauty Academy of Cosmetology. She worked for Sears, Roebuck, and Co. for thirty years.
Fran belonged to the Auburn Women's Club, and worked as a Library Aide at the Auburn High School.
She loved flower gardening and maintaining her yard, but most of all, being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was her biggest joy. Fran was so full of love and showed it freely – she wore her heart on her sleeve.
Though we are saddened by our tremendous loss, we find relief and comfort in knowing Fran is no longer suffering and is now with those who have gone before, especially her husband Paul. Her legacy of love will always live on in us.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/donate).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Mathieu family from 9 – 10 AM on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Her funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM and will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford Street N, Auburn. Respectfully, her burial will be held privately for her immediate family.