Dorothy G (Gallagher) Francis

Dorothy G. Francis of Mary Avenue in Seekonk, MA died on May 19, 2015, at the Emerald Bay Manor in Cumberland, RI.  She was the wife of the late John S. Francis; Mr. and Mrs. Francis celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary in February 1996.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Joseph P. and Anna (Duffy) Gallagher.  She lived in Pawtucket, RI, New York City, and Seekonk, MA.  Mrs. Francis loved the ocean and walking the beach.  She was a summer resident of Bonnet Shores for many years and was a member of the Bonnet Shores Beach Club.

She was a Red Cross Volunteer during WWII, working in the craft program, traveling to the Newport Naval Hospital and working with the patients.

During the 50’s, she and her family had a craft business – designing and manufacturing a number of felt objects and sold through a New York Agent.  Their most popular item was a felt paper doll called the “Dotty Doll”.

She was a graduate of St. Xavier’s Academy in 1934, and Rhode Island School of Design in 1938, an alumna of both.  She earned a Bachelor in Art Education Degree, and in 1990, earned and Honorary Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.

Mrs. Francis was an art teacher in Pawtucket for several years.  Later she taught in the Attleboro School System for a number of years, retiring in 1978.  She was a member of the Blackstone Valley Retired Teachers Association, Rhode Island Retired Art Teacher’s Association serving as Vide-President, Massachusetts Teachers’ Association, and the National Education Association.

Mrs. Francis was a “friend” of Seekonk Library, and a member of the St. Mary’s Senior Saints, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Museum of Art.  She was a longtime member of the Pawtucket Garden Club.  Mrs. Francis was an incorporator of Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, a member of the Auxiliary and served on the Board, and was a volunteer in the D.A.P. Program and in the gift shop.  Mrs. Francis was a member of St. Ray’s Academy Auxiliary, a Communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Seekonk and belonged to the Woman’s Guild.

Mrs. Francis leaves a son, J. David Francis of Seekonk; a daughter, Elaine F. Weathers of Conway, NH; another daughter, Leslie F. Kolkowski of Granger, IN; six grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.  She was the sister of the late Elizabeth Gallagher.

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