Dorothy Francis

After using up her 9 lives and then some, Dorothy C. Francis, 92, of Millbury, MA, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away late in the evening of her birthday, April 24, 2025 (she made it!), in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was a fierce foe against many ailments and persevered so often against so many odds, that her survivors are awestruck by her deep well of fortitude, resilience and positivity.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Celia (Mae) and Stanley Zailsky, “Dottie" enjoyed a beautiful upbringing made more rich by her Babci, Jaja, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Her curiosity, intelligence, humor and innate culinary skills flowered and set the table for an eagerness that made cooking, cleaning and learning Polish seem fun! Eventually her parents followed work opportunities that led them to settle in Worcester, MA but relocation didn’t thwart Dottie’s return to Wilkes-Barre every summer throughout her childhood to bask in the deep bond she had with her bigger family.

In 1953 Dorothy met Richard Francis, the man of her dreams and the best person she ever knew, who swept her off her feet. They married on May 11, 1954, and they eventually welcomed two daughters, Diane and Joanne, into their happy home in Millbury. His death in 2020 may have seemingly ended their 62 years of wedded bliss, but her deep and lasting love for him never waned over the 5 years she spent without him by her side.

There were no subjects Dorothy didn’t excel at under the tutelage of her beloved St. Mary’s school teachers. They inspired her so much she went on to earn a teaching degree at Worcester State College. Forsaking a teaching career, she opted for a fast-paced engaging position as an operator at the Telephone Company. Later, she found great satisfaction volunteering at the Worcester Science Center as well as “once the kids were out of the house” work as a telephone operator at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Knowing what a proof-reading wiz she was, Richard often told her she worked in the wrong department — "they should hire you as an editor!” he’d say.

In between raising her and Richard's daughters, Dorothy embraced the community at their church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help where she expanded her Polish/Lithuanian roots and "became Lebanese!” — taking belly dancing lessons with her older daughter and learning to bake and cook Middle Eastern food that became a deep and profound part of her life. The Ladies Auxiliary were lifelong friends made more special by their mutual love of bowling, card-playing and sharing meals.

Inveterate travelers, Richard and Dorothy flew, drove, and cruised anywhere that looked exciting. Back roads were the best roads, 'somewhere new' seemed to be their mantra…as long as they went together.

The Francis Family became Dorothy’s second family, equal in her heart to her own relatives. A devoted spouse, she made sure to always welcome everyone to her home for lavish holidays and never-ending meals. Because generosity was at her core, her habit to nourish and feed expanded to her daughter’s friends who would walk into her kitchen, open the fridge and simply eat anything they wanted because they knew Mrs. Francis would say it’s okay — especially Lisa, her honorary daughter.

Describing her to a T, “Cries easy, laughs easy.” was the caption under her high school yearbook photo as she was a person who knew that feelings were meant to be felt and known. She loved to laugh and did it often. And while athleticism wasn’t her strong suit, she could surprise everyone by her swift maneuverability in a grocery store or farm-stand…if grocery shopping was an olympic sport, Dorothy was no doubt the Nadia Comaneci of the aisles!

Dorothy is survived by her two daughters, Diane King and her husband David of Auburn; Joanne Francis and her husband Peter Egelston of Eliot, Maine; two grandchildren she loved and adored, Jessica and Jeremy; three great-grandchildren, Anthony, Sadie and Madeleine; three nephews, Joe, Corey and David; her sister-in-law and dearest friend, Vivian Schweitz, and husband, Garry Schweitz of Chevy Chase, MD; a wonderful friend, and the best neighbor anyone could have, Ronald Stacy of Millbury. She will be deeply missed by each and every one of them.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Dorothy asks that you share a meal or raise a glass of wine and toast to her long and beautiful life she often said was so wonderful she would do it all exactly the same way. Donations can be made in her honor to: World Central Kitchen, www.wck.org 

Dorothy’s funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1st at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 256 Hamilton Street, Worcester with burial to follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.