Marjorie E. (Norris) Francis

Buffalo, NY - Marjorie E. Norris Francis 97, died Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the Delaware Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Buffalo, NY.

Born in London, England, she is the daughter of the late William Norris and Elizabeth Hutchins Norris and wife of the late Harold W. Francis. She was a graduate of Media High School and attended Media Secretarial College in Media, PA.  She was a longtime resident of Troy NY, residing on 14th Street and at 50 Campbell Avenue. She was employed as a machinist for Behr-Manning in Watervliet for over 30 years, retiring in 1971.  

Marg Francis was an active member of The Salvation Army in Troy and Buffalo, NY for a total of 76 years. During this time, she volunteered for the Army’s Christmas effort for 71 consecutive seasons (1940-2011).  She also served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and perennial leader of the women’s organization known as the Home League.  After reaching the age of 70, she worked as the laundress for many summers at The Salvation Army’s camp for children in Sebago Lake, Maine where she was affectionately known as “Grandma Francis” to a generation of young people. She loved Israel and traveled there ten times under the leadership of her son Bill, and companion to her daughter Betty. She was a faithful member of the Golden Age Center in Buffalo and volunteered in their programs until the age of 93. 

Survivors include a son, Commissioner William (Marilyn) Francis, Orlando, FL; a daughter, Elizabeth (Herbert) Flemming, Kenmore, NY; four grandchildren, Captain William Francis, Susan Godfrey, Amy Flemming and Jann Flemming, and ten great grandchildren. She was predeceased by nine brothers and sisters. 

Relatives and friends may call at The Salvation Army, 222 Lafayette Avenue Schenectady, NY on Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, April 22 from 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.  A celebration of life service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday with Major Robert Miga officiating.  The committal service will follow the funeral at Memory Gardens on the Watervliet-Shaker Road in Colonie, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Marjorie E. Francis to The Salvation Army Buffalo Citadel, 960 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202.

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