HOLIDAY, FL — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maureen Shaw Francis on March 8, 2021. Our mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, GG (Great Gram), and friend. Maureen passed peacefully, after a short illness, at the age of 74, in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Maureen was a strong, independent, creatively responsible, and spunky lady who lived life to the fullest. She was drawn to the sun and surf- Aruba, Waikiki, York and Hampton Beach, and whale watching. She enjoyed party barging on Mascoma Lake in Lebanon, or watching the Osprey in the Anclote Keys, near Holiday, Florida, where she and her late husband Donald Francis had recently relocated from Danville, NH.
Maureen had several passions through the years, like cruising on her motorcycle, going to car shows with her Volks Wagon Beetles, catching up with her son Darren, or visiting lighthouses like the one in Maine where Don had proposed. She especially liked entertaining and visiting with family and friends. Maureen was a great cook, known for her baked beans and clambakes. Simple pleasures were some of her greatest joys, picking out a special card for a family member or friend, or playing with Sassy, her beloved Ragdoll.
Maureen was born to Louise Bodenrader and Maurice Shaw on January 13, 1947, in Lawrence, Mass. She was a graduate of Woodbury High School and went on to study at M. Fazio Institute of Beauty. She took many careers paths- beautician, property manager, bail bondsman, Atlantic City/Las Vegas junket coordinator, deputy town clerk, and other business managerial positions.
Maureen is predeceased by her son, Jody Carter; her husband Donald Francis; and her parents, Lou Lou and Micky Shaw, and her life-long friends, Marcia and Bill Foster.
Maureen is survived by her son and his life partner, Darren Carter and Sophia Lowe; grandchildren: Andrew and Alex Carter, Tyler and Chris Morse, Chynna and Trenton Lowe, Jeffrey and Bryan Francis, Amanda Taylor, and Nicole Fiset; brothers and wives, Mathew and Jeanneen Shaw, and Joseph and Denise Shaw; nephews Maxwell, Joey and Jeromie; nieces Rachel, Alysha and Jessica; step-daughter and husband, Linda and Steven Warren; step-son and
wife, Robert and Heidi Francis; brother in law, Richard Francis; her friend forever, Tracy; great granddaughter and pen pal, Maddison Louise Carter, 6 more great grandchildren; sweet Sassy; and many more loved ones, too numerous to name.
The light that was Maureen’s love for her family and friends will shine on like a beacon from a lighthouse on the edge of the sea…
A celebration of life will be held this summer for family and friends.