Francine Mildred Maranda, 77, of Hopkinton peacefully passed away on July 14, 2026, following a brief illness. She was a devoted mother, a loving sister and a dear friend and will be deeply missed. Francine was born in Jamaica Plain to Clifford and Juanita Ansell, the second of eight siblings. As one of the older children, Cine often was called on to care for and help the ones who followed, and in those years developed a strong love of family and devotion to those in her care throughout her life.

After graduating from Algonquin Regional High School, she married and started a family with Paul Maranda and had a beautiful daughter, Juanita. Francine worked for many years in accounting and tax preparation before she and her family acquired and ran a country store in Northern Vermont. After closing the store a few years later, the family returned to South Grafton, moving later with her daughter to Westborough. Francine always encouraged Juanita to pursue her dreams to be an artist and was inspired to return to her own love of arts and crafts, and she later worked with Juanita to create a small paper craft business.

In 2017, Francine was dealt a difficult blow when she was given a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She kept as active as she could, working, attending her church, helping her daughter with her business — and always bringing family members together whenever possible. She remained independent as long as possible but eventually moved to Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton. Her spirit wasn’t diminished, and she engaged with others there in a joyful, infectious manner — working on crafts, singing or helping others during exercises classes. She remained curious and eager to learn new things, though frustrated by how hard it had become.

Francine is survived by her daughter, Juanita Maranda of Hudson; her sister, Jennifer Bigelow of Taunton; three brothers, Clifford Ansell of Bellingham, James Ansell of American Falls, Idaho, and Richard Ansell of Rossville, Georgia; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Because Francine donated her body for medical research, at this time there will not be any services. At a future date, there will be a celebration of Francine’s life for family and friends.

In honor of Francine, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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