Deborah (Debbie) Teresa Francis (née Moriarty), 84, passed away on Monday, May 31, at her home in Denver, Colorado.
She was born on September 17, 1936, and was raised on her family’s farm in a townland called Boolteens West, Country Kerry, Ireland. In 1955, Debbie emigrated to the U.S., first landing in New York. That same year, she met Harry Francis at an Irish dance in Brookline, Massachusetts; they were married on November 24, 1956. The pair welcomed their first child, Jim, before moving across the country to California. Eventually, they settled down in Colorado, where they welcomed their second child Colleen.
For over 28 years, Debbie owned and ran an in-home daycare center. After retiring, Debbie and Harry spent 16 years volunteering throughout their community as drivers for Meals on Wheels at The Senior Hub. Debbie was known for her love of holiday decorations, her costume parties—with a bagpiper always on hand—and her sense of humor, quick wit, and generosity.
Debbie is survived by her husband Harry Francis, her son Jim Francis (Jessica Farson), Daughter Colleen Francis Knight (Scott), grandsons Cory Francis (Ceci Olivos) and Chris Francis (Victoria), granddaughters Jamie Winkler (Chris), and Doreen and Annah Knight, great-grandsons Mason and Logan Winker, and her siblings Joanie Smyth (John), Peg Prendergast, and Johnny Moriarty (Phil).
