Virginia Boyd Francis

She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Newell Boyd and Marilla (Vose) Boyd of Wilmington, Vermont, as well as seven siblings: Barbara Ellen, Albert Walter, Horace “Eugene”, Philip Carl, Silvia Joyce, Roy Stanley, and Earlene Margaret “Peggy”. Ginny was born in July of 1935; the fourth of eight children to Marilla and Horace.

After graduating high school early from Saint Michael’s Catholic School in Brattleboro, Vermont, Ginny immediately began the study of nursing at Thompson’s School of Practical Nursing, graduating at the mere age of sixteen. In 1952 following nursing school graduation, she first began work as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She continued this passion for fifty-three years. She enjoyed being a Labor and Delivery Nurse, and ultimately found her passion with Long-Term Nursing Care of the elderly.

Ginny met Arland Francis and married in 1953. They lived in various New England states. Over fourteen years, she had five children, Michael, Ronald, Gregory, Karen, and Lisa. After more than twenty years, Ginny and Arland divorced. Additional marriages were to Richard Lavimodiere of Rhode Island in 1982 and Joseph Kiley of Rhode Island in 1990. She then lived in Rhode Island, Virginia and New Jersey. After eighteen years, Joseph ended their marriage. She returned to her favored state, Virginia.

Ginny’s final home for the last fifteen years was Smithfield, Virginia. She retired to a coastal area near many parks, walking trails, and beaches. Ginny gained numerous lasting friendships during this time. The Smithfield Luter Family YMCA soon became a new social outlet. She became an active member of Silver Sneakers at the YMCA. As a supporter of her community, she volunteered for most every activity they supported, such as Strong Communities, and the Silver Slipper Ball. In addition, Ginny attended senior luncheons offered at Bacon’s Castle Baptist Church. Feeling a strong sense of belonging, her faith was reclaimed. She was baptized and attended bible study classes and services.

In her spare time, Ginny enjoyed Silver Sneakers, volunteering at the YMCA, puzzles, sewing, crochet, gardening, bible study, and collecting seashells or driftwood at the beach. She cherished spending time with family and friends. Adult coloring was her favorite pastime during the last years of her life.

She leaves behind her five children Michael (Mariann) Francis, Ronald Francis, Gregory (Elaine) Francis, Karen (Mathew) Mitchell, and Lisa (Scott) Lauder; twelve grandchildren, Jeremy (Staci) Francis, Eric (Michelle) Francis, Renee' (Randy) Clark, Benjamin (Sarah) Francis, Christine (Kenneth) Boothby, Matthew (Ariel) Ward, Kyle Ward, Christopher (Leilani) Ward, Marisa (Jeremy) Tilley, Bryan Mitchell, Ashley (Landon) Howell, Tori (Bryan) Billings; and currently nineteen great-grandchildren with two on the way, Raegan and Jackson Francis; Rylie and Alexander Francis; Lucas and Jack Clark; Braden, Caleb, Asher and Kyra Francis; Jameson Boothby; Cayden and Carter Ward; Emery, Ira and Arlo Ward; Savannah Tilley; and Amelia and Robby Howell.

Ginny will be remembered as being caring, compassionate, and fun. She had a positive impact on everyone she interacted with and will be greatly missed. After her cremation, the family will celebrate Virginia’s life privately and invites you to do the same.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz): https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.

Information regarding warning signs of dementia from the Alzheimer's Association (alz), please don’t ignore them! (https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs)