DOVER — Frances Estelle (Viel) Sirois, 92 passed peacefully on May 27, 2015, at Bellamy Fields where she received outstanding loving care from their extraordinary staff.
Born May 10, 1923, in Causapsacal, Quebec, Fran was the daughter of George and Clara Viel. Migrating to the U.S. at age 7, she was Valedictorian of her 8th grade class and garnered the American Legion Merit Scholastic Achievement Medal.
In her teens, Fran toured with "The Ouellete Brothers," singing popular songs of the 30s on their WHEB radio show and at Hampton Beach Casino. She won competitions at Exeter's IOKA Theater and performed in the St. Joseph's Church Choir as a Soprano soloist. Fran married William N. Sirois in 1941 and they shared 67 years together prior to his passing. During WWII she served as a submarine welder at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. She owned and operated Fran's Department Store in Somersworth during the 1950s and volunteered with Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, and the PTA Board. She was a founding member of the Dover Children's Aid Society, Treasurer and President of the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Joseph's Church, President of the Dover Women's Club, Treasurer and President of the Wentworth Douglas Hospital Auxiliary, and President of the Portsmouth District Past President's Club. In 1974, Fran was named to the Strafford and Southeast Savings Banks' Board of Corporators.
From the backwoods of Quebec to successful achievements as a loving wife, devoted mother, businesswoman, and community service leader, Fran accomplished a life well lived.
Fran is survived by her children William G. Sirois and his wife Ellen of North Andover, Mass., Richard L. Sirois and his wife Paulette of Dover, and Deb Matsumoto and her companion Rod Donaldson of Moultonborough, N.H. She is also survived by her seven beloved grandchildren Mike, Jon, and William S. Sirois, Jason Liddell, Adam Sirois, Raychel Mahoney, Amber Matsumoto, and her great-granddaughters Olivia Liddell and Phoenix Sirois. Fran also leaves her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her grandson, Richard Louis Sirois, Jr.
The family is holding a private interment and arrangements will be made by Tasker Funeral Home.
Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the on-line guest book.
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