MANCHESTER – Frances “Sis” (Harrington) Provencher, 73, died June 29, 2009 at her home after a lengthy illness. By her side was her loving husband of 53 years, Donald J. Provencher.
She was born in Manchester on Jan. 21, 1936 to Ellen (Young) and Francis Harrington. She was raised and educated in city schools graduating from Central High School with honors and perfect attendance.
She was employed as a customer service representative by Household Finance Corp (now HSBC) in Manchester for 37 years. After her retirement she managed the concession at Singer Family Park in the city’s millyard.
Frances was a member of the St. Raphael’s Church Women’s Guild. She was a long-time den mother in Cub Scout Pack 93 and team mother at Southwest Little League. She was a member of the N.H. Collector’s Club and particularly loved her extensive Christmas ornament collection. She also enjoyed knitting and baking, bingo and card games, penny sales, holiday entertaining, cookouts in the backyard, tending to her many flower gardens, family reunions, as well as trips to Hampton Beach, Ogunquit, Maine, Foxwoods and Atlantic City. She was a creative crafter.
An avid sports fan, she attended college basketball games in the city and watched many others on television. She enjoyed the morning breakfast tailgate gatherings of friends and family in the early years of NASCAR racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. She never missed the city soccer and baseball contests of her sons, Kevin Provencher and James Provencher, both of Manchester.
The joy of her retirement was living near her granddaughters, Maeghan Maguire Provencher and Molly Frances Provencher. She reveled in their accomplishments both athletically, musically and scholastically.
She was predeceased by close sister, Joan. So very much appreciated has been the unwavering support, visitations and assistance of nephews Michael Puglisi, Alan Puglisi and partner Terry Hodgman, long distance wishes of David Puglisi and family, kind thoughts of Gary Puglisi. She loved and watched over them as best she could.
Patrice Roulx, Darlene Cassidy and Maura Maguire are thanked for their kind efforts of support, especially during home care.
On Frances’ behalf, her family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in Lebanon, the sixth floor nursing staff of Manchester’s Elliot Hospital, Alita Paquette and the Visiting Nurses Association of Manchester, Dr. John E. Sutton Jr. of Hanover, Dr. Charles Carrier of Manchester, and Dr. Gautami Rao of Manchester.
So many other family members, friends and well wishers of Frances, their cards, flowers and prayers helped brighten those final, difficult days.
Sis will be greatly missed by all.
SERVICES: Calling hours will be on Sunday from 5 to 9 pm at J. N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home, 110 Bridge St. Manchester. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 am in St. Raphael Church, 103 Walker St. Manchester. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford.
For more information please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.