Debbie & Harry’s Story

Site created on June 8, 2021

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). 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Francis Family

Services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021. The Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass with Cremated Remains at 10:00 AM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado. (Streaming access to the services will be available here soon.)

You are invited to join the family for a Wake immediately following the church services at Jamie Winkler’s Home, 7601 East 130th Ave, Thornton, CO 80602. Food and drinks will be provided.


Harold (Harry) Paul Francis of Denver, Colorado, passed away on September 3, 2021, at the age of 91.

Harry was born on May 7, 1930, in St. John's, Newfoundland. He was one of seven children. 

In 1951, Harry joined the U.S. military, serving as an automotive service mechanic in the Air Force. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. In 1956, he found himself at the Irish Colonial Hall in Brookline, MA, where he met and fell for Debbie Moriarity; they were married on November 24 of that same year. After getting married, Harry and Debbie welcomed their son Jim and bought a house in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. Seven years later, they moved across the country to Los Angeles. California did not quite suit the Francis family, so on their way back to the east coast, they stopped in Denver and fell in love. They decided to make Colorado their new home and soon after welcomed Colleen to their family. 

After settling in Colorado, Harry started his own business—Harry's Vending Service—and worked as a vendor, servicing food and candy vending machines across the Denver metro area. His true passion in life, however, was music. Harry was a self-taught singer and guitar player and quickly mastered the art of Irish drinking songs, ballads, and laments. Harry's singing became a staple at family gatherings and parties—including weddings where Harry sang the newlywed's first dance song. After being gifted studio time in 1997, Harry released two albums—Harry's All-Time Greatest Hits, volumes 1 and 2—full of his favorite songs and colorful commentary. 

In his later years, as his memory left him, his charm, love of entertaining his family, and kindness never did. Until the end, Harry made all those around him smile. He will be deeply missed and cherished always. 

Harry is survived by his 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 Winkler. He is the proud uncle of Paul Francis, Derrick Francis, Glenn Cake, Gary Cake, Les Cake, Gail Miller, Jim Barrett, and Ellie Hynes. 

 

https://www.horancares.com/obituary/Harry-Francis

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