Kimberley A. Francis, 40, Was Caring Mother, Wife

Kimberley A. Dufresne Francis of Pepperell died Wednesday, Nov. 8, after a lengthy illness. She was 40 years old.

She was born in Lowell, July 2, 1966, a daughter of Nancy J. Carey Dufresne and the late Joseph V. Dufresne Jr. She grew up in Chelmsford and resided briefly in Marlboro before moving to Pepperell 12 years ago.

Kimberley was a 1984 graduate of Nashoba Regional Technical High School in Westford. She continued her education at the Middlesex Community College in Bedford before receiving her bachelors degree in business from Anna Maria College in Paxton.

Kim was an active member of the Community Church in Pepperell where she served as a teacher in the Sunday school program. She also participated as a volunteer in the activities of her children including those at the Varnum Brook Elementary School in Pepperell, the Acton-Boxboro youth figure skating program as well as with the Pepperell Girl Scouts.

Besides her mother she is survived by her husband of 18 years, John M. Francis; a son, John C. Francis of Pepperell; a daughter, Emily C. Francis; three brothers, Joseph V. Dufresne III of Chelmsford, Peter M. Dufresne of Rindge, N.H., Mark S. Dufresne of Pepperell, her father and mother in law, John and Natalie Francis Jr. of Edgartown. She also leaves several nephews and nieces including Viola A. Dufresne who resided with Kim and her family.

She was the sister of the late Matthew J. Dufresne and Annette J. Dufresne both of Chelmsford.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Community Church of Pepperell. Interment will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford.

Memorial contributions in Kimberley's name may be made to the Community Church of Pepperell, Three Townsend street, Pepperell, MA 01463 or to the ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104.