Irene Raposa Francis

Graveside Services for Irene Francis, 95, of Kilgore will be eleven a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at St. John’s Cemetery, New Bedford, Massachusetts, with Reverend Father John Gomes officiating. Mrs. Francis passed away peacefully Christmas night, December 25, 2008, in Kilgore, Texas, surrounded by family, friends, and the family dog.

She was born January 1, 1913 in Oakland, California, but was raised and lived in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, until the death of her husband in 1962. She then moved to Texas, to be with her brother and his family. Irene was a stylish and gracious lady, having spent a good deal of her life in retail ladies’ wear. She had a beautiful soprano singing voice and along with sister Lillian, brought joy to many with their musical talents.

Mrs. Francis is survived by one son, Frank Francis and wife Lorna of Castroville, Texas, and one daughter, Pamela DeCeault and husband Richard of Kilgore, Texas, as well as precious family friends Jimmy and Tawanah Tanner of Kilgore, Texas, and loving and loyal family dog Itsy, who visited her in the nursing home every day.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, 2 sisters and 4 brothers, including her best friend and roommate of 45 years, sister Lillian Raposa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth, New Bedford Massachusetts, Tuesday Morning between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Please leave online condolences www.raderfuneralhome.com