Ella Francis

Ella was a strong, independent and spirited woman. She was born and raised in Arlington, MA. In her early twenties she became a flight attendant (in that era known as a Stewardess) for Northeast Airlines, through which she met Captain Robert I. Francis. Airline employees were not allowed to be married to each other, but her love for Bob was greater than her love of flying, so she grounded herself when they married in 1946.

They settled in Scituate, MA, built their family home and raised three boys, each with their own distinct set of interests. None of her boys played the same sports, but she got each one to their own activities and cheered each one on. She advocated for a place for youth to hang-out and was a founder of a drop-in center for teens. She took great joy in her journeys around the country to visit her grandchildren and be part of their daily lives and milestone events. With the boys successfully on their own, her own interestsblossomed. Her solid start in real estate began with the Jack Conway Agency. She then co-founded Martin & Francis Real Estate. Her loyal customers followed her as she continued her career as an agent with Lucy Locke Gallery of Homes, Hallmark Reality, and finally with Bragga and Associates, selling homes into her 80’s.

Ella relaxed by tending her beautiful flower gardens. She discovered golf in her mid-50s and was an avid player into her 90s. She again took flight and enjoyed both international travel and visiting religious sites. She was centered throughout her life in her Catholic faith and was a longtime communicant of St. Mary of the Nativity Church.

Ella is survived by two sons and their spouses, Robert M. Francis and Peggy Francis of Danville, CA, and Terence Francis and Janet Francis of Hinesburg, VT. She is also survived by six grandchildren, their spouses and 9.5 great grandchildren. Her nieces and nephews will greatly miss their Aunt Ella. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Robert I. Francis, her middle son, Timothy P. Francis, her sister, Jeanne MacKenzie Perry, her parents, Alexander and Gertrude MacKenzie, nephews and many cousins.

The family gratefully thanks the wonderful caregivers and supporting staff at Life Care Center of the South Shore, with special heartfelt appreciation to Patrice and Tina.

Visiting hours will be Friday, March 9, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Rd., Scituate. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 10, at 9 a.m. at St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate. Interment to follow at New St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Covenant House, Times Square Station, P.O. Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900.