St. Mary's Church Grafton
103 Lyle St. S., Grafton ON K0K 2G0,
St. Mary's Church Grafton
103 Lyle St. S., Grafton ON K0K 2G0,
St. Mary's Cemetery
Grafton
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Sally (Mary Celina) Francis passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, in her 90th year.
Sally was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia to Angus Morrison and Catherine MacNeil. She is predeceased by her two brothers, Gerry and Herbie Morrison. Beloved wife of William (Bill) Francis and six children: Stewart (predeceased)(Bonnie), Bill (Susan), Angus (Claudia), Jim (Diane), Hugh and Bernadette (Steve). Cherished Grandmother to 15 Grandchildren Hollisha, Jordan, Jesse, Nathan, William, Alexander, Katie, Cosette, Holden, Roger, Iris, Katya, Danielle, Joseph and Monica. Loving Great Grandmother to Brynley, Addilyn, Henry, Gage, Owen, Rowan, Cole and Leighton.
Bill met Sally at the Eaton’s store where she worked as a clerk and the two were married shortly thereafter. After having their children, together they started Francis Personnel Services in Oshawa. Sally was convinced that there was meaningful and dignified work for every person. One day while walking in downtown Oshawa, Sally became concerned with the growing number of homeless, so she worked with Bill and hundreds of volunteers to open St Vincent’s Kitchen in downtown Oshawa. In 1991 they were presented with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship Award by Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander.
Her spirit of generosity was valued by any community she was part of. She was always an active member of her local Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 50 years. She also valued her work with the St Vincent De Paul Society in Grafton.
Sally was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend. She loved to hold the babies, would play road hockey with the grandchildren and feed everyone who entered her home. Sally was the glue that brought her very large extended family together and her legacy is the love she freely gave to her family, friends and strangers alike. There was always room for one more plate at her table and always a moment to listen to someone who needed to talk.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 12th, from 9:30 to 11am at St Mary’s Church in Grafton with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11. Burial will be at nearby St Mary’s Cemetery in Grafton with a reception to follow in at the home of Angus and Claudia Francis ( 976 Cty. Rd# 27, Codrington.) All are welcome to spend time together and share stories about Sally!
Bill, Susan and Family, May your loving memories of Sally, give you comfort now and in the days to come. Thinking of you at this time. Ralph Werry
Sally leaves this world with an incredible life story. She was an amazing person. I had the honour of knowing her and although I have not seen her or Bill in a long time - they were often thought of by me. Rest in Peace sweet lady!!
To Bill and family My heart aches for your loss of Sally. I have great memories of you both in Colborne and in Brighton. Sending hugs, strength and prayers. Sincere condolences.
Sally was a lovely, wonderful person with a gentle nature. She will be missed in the neighborhood.
My condolences to Bill and family. Sally was a wonderful person. She will be missed.
To the entire Francis family I offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Sally was a lovely person who I always enjoyed chatting with at family occasions. She will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
On behalf of St. Mary's CWL Council, Grafton I extend its condolences and prayers to Bill and all the Francis family. Sally was a long time CWL member. The CWL members will miss her beautiful smile and her work ethic. "Eternal rest grant unto Sally, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her." Pat Murphy, President, St. Mary's CWL Council, Grafton
My deepest sympathies to the Francis family Your mom was such a lovely lady
Sally Francis may well have been the most lovely person that I have ever met. She had a gorgeous smile, a soft quiet way of being, and a mischievous twinkle in her eye that was so very endearing. She and Bill had a beautiful relationship. She will be missed.
My mom worked with your mom volunteering. She always spoke very highly about Sally. She enjoyed working with her very much. My condolences.
I have so many good things to say about my cherished and precious friend, beautiful Sally and lots of good memories I hold close in my heart! Sending my deepest sympathy with lots of loving hugs and prayers always to her wonderful husband, Bill and lovely family!🙏❤️ May GOD bless you all with lots of good health and happiness and keep you all safe now and forever!!!❤️❤️❤️ Lots of love to you all from, Betty Anne Wihlidal 🙏❤️❤️❤️
My dear Bill and family: My deepest sympathy on the passing of this cherished lady. It was a very happy day in my life when I met Sally at St Mary of the People Parish. Our Maritime connections sealed the bond immediately and of course she covinced me to fill their need for accounting with St Vincent's Kitchen and we all knew that no-one was comfortable refusing to volunteer for such a need headed by the will and ambition of this tremendous lady. Our friendship was precious and we shared such good times which we continued well beyond Oshawa. My heart and soul will be with you Bill during the Celebration of Sally's life and also to each of your children and grandchildren. I sure would be there with all of you if I was able. May God bless each one of you.
Angus, Claudia, and the rest of the family, please accept our condolences on the loss of your Mom. I have fond memories of the work that she did for many people in so many ways. You will continue to be in our prayers. David & Donna Komel
Dear Bill and Family We are saddened to hear of your loss. She is now at peace looking down on her beautiful family. A lifetime of memories to share We had the pleasure of knowing her and sharing time together over the years We will miss her always. Love to All
Dear Bill and Susan, Very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was an inspiration to all of us. And I can attest that she always made room at her table. I can still taste the chocolate cake! Love Chris and Pam
It was a privilege getting to know Sally and her family. Her smile lit up a room. Her kind words were welcoming. Her incredible strength was inspiring. May your light continue shining bright. Fly sweet Sally. You are free!!! My deepest condolences to Bill and the family.