Shirley Maxine Francis

The passing of Shirley Maxine (Ashford) Francis occurred unexpectedly at the Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen NB on December 10, 2023. Born in Oak Point NB on November 25, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Smith Steven Ashford and Olive Viola (Stewart) Ashford.

A loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Shirley is survived by her three daughters: Florence (Pete) Burgess of Nerepis NB, Rosemarie May of Hampton NB and Kelly (Paul) Burns of Pennfield NB; daughter in law: Mary Francis of Saint John NB; son in law: Everett Saunders of Welsford NB; grandchildren: Nathan (Andrea) Francis of Grand Bay NB, Angela (Brandon) McTaggart of Nerepis NB, Alexander (Alexandra) Saunders of Mispec NB, Alvin Woodman (Shawna Allaby) of Belleisle Creek NB, Bradley Saunders (Martina Carvell) of Quispamsis NB, Robert Woodman (Erin Martin) of Titusville NB, James Burns (Ashley Vance) of Bonny River NB and Jaclyn Burns (Jeremy O’Neill) of Pennfield NB; great grandchildren: Natalie, Haley, Jaxen, Zoey and soon to be baby Burns; brother in law: Marvin Mahaney; sister in law: Sheila Ashford; special friends: Louis and Phylis; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband: Murray Francis; daughter: Cheryl Saunders; son: Donnie Francis; son in law: Robert Woodman; brothers: Jim, Bill and Steven; sisters: Ada, Etta and Carol Ann; brother in law: Max; sisters in law: Mary and Gladys.

In her younger days, Shirley was a stay at home mom. She later worked for Comcare and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch # 87 in Greenwich. She was avid dart player playing both house league and provincially. In her spare time, Shirley loved cooking, knitting and crocheting. When able, Shirley could be found cheering on the Blue Jays on TV or enjoying the WWE.

A special thank you to all the staff at Eastern Charlotte Extra Mural for your help, care and guidance. Also to those at Kindred Home Care and Charlotte County Hospital, your compassion and devotion will never be forgotten.

Arrangements in the care of the St. George Funeral Home (506-755-3533) 26 Portage Street, St. George NB. Resting at the funeral home with visiting on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. The service will take place from Christ Church (Anglican), Pennfield NB on Wednesday at 11:00 am with Rev. Canon Caleb Twinamastiko officiating followed by the interment in St. James Anglican Cemetery, Browns Flat NB. In her memory, donations to Charlotte County Cancer or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.