Bettie-Anne C. Francis, 87, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth after a long illness.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Frank T. and Emma (Lorsbach) Francis, she lived in New Bedford all of her life before moving to Dartmouth three years ago.
Bettie-Anne was a graduate of Holy Family High School and the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. She later received her Master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
She had formerly been employed as a project engineer for various engineering firms and belonged to several organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers.
Bettie-Anne had a unique and independent spirit, and touched many lives, especially in her later years. She was very devout and for many years could be seen walking to and from various locations in the area, including to daily Mass. She also liked to play the piano and enjoyed sharing her appreciation of music with loved ones.
She is survived by her niece and guardian, Dr. Mary Louise Francis and her husband Paul E. Sylvia; nieces Leslie Kolkowski and husband, James, and Elaine Weathers and husband, C. David; nephew J. David Francis; great-nieces, Erin Sylvia and Jodie Kolkowski; great-nephews, Adam Sylvia, Adam Kolkowski, Zach Weathers and Chad Weathers.
She was the sister of the late John S. Francis, Paul T. Francis, and Claire Francis, and aunt of the late James J. Francis.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth, in particular those on Bettie-Anne’s unit, for their kindness and concern, especially nurses, Danielle, Danisha, Amy and Kerrie, who were always so attentive and compassionate, and were such a comfort in Bettie’s final hours. The family is very grateful to the New England Hospice team, as well, for their kindness and support.
A private funeral liturgy was held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Chapel of St. John’s Cemetery, where burial followed. The Saturday morning Mass at 9:00 AM on November 9, 2019 in the Chapel at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford will be said in Bettie-Anne’s memory. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the St. Anthony of Padua Organ Restoration Fund. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.