Barbara Bennett Francis

Barbara Bennett Francis, 85 years old, of Alton, NH passed away quietly surrounded by family on March 16, 2016 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Barbara was born on October 2, 1930 in Boston, MA to Gordon and Pauline Bennett. Barbara had one sister Martha Bennett Headley of Alton (now deceased). Barbara grew up in MA and CT spending every summer at family-owned Hollywood Beach Resort on Half Moon Lake in Alton. Barbara attended Dean Junior College, married Norman Francis and raised five children in East Derry, NH. After Norman's death in 1976, Barbara relocated to Alton, NH. Barbara is survived by four of her children and their spouses David and Cynthia Francis of York ME, Cynthia Francis McKone and John McKone of Alton, NH, Faith Francis of Gilford, NH and Matthew and Sally Francis of Alton Bay, NH. Barbara's son Daniel Francis passed away in 1988. Barbara is also survived by seven loving grandchildren. Emily Sydow Plaisted, of Gloucester, MA, Matthew Sydow and Daniel McKone, of Alton, Haley Francis and Kelley Francis of York, ME, Anna Francis and Samuel Francis of Alton Bay. Barbara also had two great grand children Minna and Llewyn Plaisted of Gloucester, MA.

Barbara's greatest gift was her always-positive view of life. She was energetic, fun loving and a warm nurturing influence on her family and everyone that knew her. She worked at the Alton Elementary School for many years, rarely missed an Alton basketball game and was known to most of the students simply as "Mum". She loved to travel and saw many parts of the world with 2 of her travelling companions "The Ladies". Barbara never missed an opportunity to make someone feel special; she told all of her children that they were her favorite (and not to tell). A service will be held Friday April 1st at the Alton Congregational Church at 11:00am. A celebration of life reception will be held at the Ellacoya Barn and Grille starting at 12:00pm.