Noreen (Dolan) Francis

Auburndale - Noreen (Dolan) Francis, 74, died suddenly Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Noreen was born on May 4, 1948 in Boston, MA, a daughter of the late John F. and Josephine P. (Busheme) Dolan. She was a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, MA. Her deep love of science led her to the University of Massachusetts, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and later to The Ohio State University where she earned a Master of Science in Biochemistry. Noreen spent 35 years as a Research Biochemist in the Rosenstiel Center at Brandeis University in a role she loved dearly. Later, she worked at Boston’s Children's Hospital as a Research Biochemist participating in diverse medical studies.

In addition to being internationally recognized for her numerous contributions to science, Noreen was a lifelong Girl Scout and a Girl Scout troop leader for over a decade. She was a Member of the Solar Sisters, the Girl Scouts National NASA Ambassadors. She enjoyed sewing, craft projects, experiencing the arts, and supporting her family's wide range of artistic pursuits. She was known for her light heart, sense of humor and famous rolls that we always looked forward to at family gatherings. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She loved people and was happiest when helping others and making people feel included with her warmth and welcoming spirit.

Noreen leaves her husband, Michael Francis; her son, Matt Francis of Middletown, CT; her daughter, Laura Francis of Somerville, MA; two brothers, John Dolan of Topsfield, MA and Richard Dolan of Brooklyn, NY; two sisters, Betty Lynch of Newmarket, NH and Tish Teschek of Exeter, NH and many nieces and nephews. We will miss you very much Noreen, we love you.

Noreen’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440. 

There will be a calling hour from 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral. 

Her burial will take place in the Woodside Cemetery, 9 Narrows Road, Westminster, MA 01473. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.mackfamilyfh.com

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.