With broken hearts we announce the passing of our wonderful Father, Grandfather and great grandfather Andrew “Mooney” Francis, who passed away peacefully Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Mooney was born May 3, 1947 in Sydney, N.S. He was the son of late Joseph Francis and late Annie Madeleine Gould.
Mooney was predeceased by his late wife Pauline; daughter Colleen (late Roy); son Andrew Isaac. Mooney is with his precious grandchildren Justine, Kateri, Leondra and Hailey who also made their way to the spirit world. Predeceased siblings - Gertrude “Gerty”, Mary Rose, Angus, Donna Marie, Alice, Bernadette, and Geraldine in infancy.
Mooney is survived by his sons - Sheldon (Jane), Joll (Erin); daughters - Heather (Gub), Lydia (Chuck), Myrna (Larry), Corrine (Harvey) and Ander (Morgan). Mooney also raised two of his grandchildren Kateri and Andon and two nieces Coreena and Claudia. Mooney is survived by his sister Catherine. Mooney is survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and godchildren. Also, survived by numerous foster children.
Mooney volunteered his time since he learned how to play the fiddle in 1976. Ralph Stevens was his teacher and Mooney was a fast learner. Mooney volunteered to numerous fundraisers during his life. Mooney was a great fiddle player. Mooney played his fiddle in Scotland with Mr. Big who was his overseas manager at the time. Mooney was a well-known Aboriginal fiddler artist and played numerous gigs with the Fiddlers association. He released his first and only CD “The Lumberjack Reel” in 2003, and was a nominee of the East Coast Music Awards.
Mooney was an Indian Day School and Residential School survivor.
Mooney provided for his family by working in the wood cutting pulp and was also the long-time Plumber of all local communities in Cape Breton.
Mooney had a strong Catholic faith and was a member of Holy Family Parish.
Visitation for Mooney will be held at the Gabriel Centre in Eskasoni beginning on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. and funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Eskasoni with Fr. Antolin Asor officiating. Interment to follow in the parish cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.twcurry.com
