Francoise G. Potvin

Francoise L. (Gingras) Potvin, 97, of Manchester, passed away November 13, 2022, at Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center after a period of declining health.

She was born in Manchester on October 11, 1925, to Paul Jules and Blanche (Allard) Gingras.  She was educated in Manchester schools and graduated from a secondary boarding school taught by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in Upton de Bagot, Quebec, Canada, which she attended with her sister Therese and of which she had many fond memories.

She married the love of her life, Paul, on April 26,1947 and together they built a long and happy life together, celebrating over 58 years of marriage before Paul’s passing in 2005.

In her youth, Francoise worked for the Bee-Bee Shoe Corporation, then spent many years at home raising her family. Later in life, she worked for F. W. Woolworth as the candy lady and was always happy to double roast a batch of cashews when asked or treat her grandchildren to something from “her store”.

Francoise and Paul travelled extensively and enjoyed trips to England and many tropical islands.  They also enjoyed many years by the river at the camp they built on the Piscataquog  River in Goffstown, NH.

Francoise was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother and loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family.  “Dinner at Mem’s” was the highlight of her week and she always seemed to be the winner of the many games of Scram that took place around her kitchen table.

Francoise was a woman of great faith and a parishioner of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church for many years.  She leaned on her faith throughout her life and the challenges it brought her. She wore the cross gifted to her on her confirmation to her last days.

Francoise’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Villa Crest and Manchester VNA Hospice for the care and compassion they provided our mom in her final days.

Francoise was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Paul B. Potvin, her son, Richard D. Potvin and her daughter-in-law, Nancy B. Potvin.

Francoise is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Andre P. and Dawn G. Potvin of Manchester and Marc E. Potvin and Glynis Jordan of Winston-Salem, NC; her daughters and sons-in-law, Monique M. and Michael S. Fonner of Weare, NH and Suzanne L. and Paul W. Roy, Jr. of Bedford, NH; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

A Calling hour will be held on Friday, November 18^th from 9 to 10 am in Sacred Heart Church, So Main St, Manchester.  A funeral Mass will follow at 10 am.  Encryptment will follow in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Parish Food Pantry, 265 South Main Street, Manchester, NH, 03102.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting with arrangements.  To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.