Francine Welch

Francine was born in Milton, MA as the youngest child of Clifford and Emma Donahue. She grew up in Randolph, MA and graduated from Randolph High School in 1971. She then attended Bridgewater State College and received her degree in elementary education.

Francine was a preschool teacher for many years on Cape Cod, touching the lives of countless children and families. She also cherished the years she spent as a children’s librarian and her time as a volunteer at Flower Angels and the Harwich Junior Theatre. For many years, she was a stay-at-home mother to her two daughters. She loved pickleball and golfing with her husband Bill and many friends at Cummaquid Golf Club. Francine loved travel; her favorite destinations being Italy, Ireland, and St. John. She especially loved exploring coastal Maine. She was an avid painter and gardener, and continued both hobbies throughout her years of dementia which she managed with grace, dignity and her ever-present humor. Her favorite and most dedicated roles were as a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Francine is predeceased by her brother, Daniel Donahue. Francine is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, William A. Welch (Bill) of East Dennis, MA, as well as her daughters Kelly (Cory) Ernst of Yarmouth, ME, and Kristin (Thomas) Crowley of Pembroke, MA. Francine is also survived by her beloved granddaughters, Kate and Nora Ernst of Yarmouth, ME and Caroline Crowley, of Pembroke, MA and her sister Mariann Smith of Plainville, MA along with many nieces and nephews. Francine was the best grandmother and especially loved reading, dancing and painting with her girls. They will forever cherish the years they got to spend with their "Meme".

Services and burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimers Family Support Center of Cape Cod, 2095 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631. Donations can be made on their website at alzfamilysupport.org.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to all her devoted caregivers, especially Sandra and Andi, and Angie Pfeifer of Beacon Hospice for their care and compassion.