Bernice Etta Francis, 80, Enjoyed Time with Family

Bernice Etta (Manning) Francis died on Dec. 5 at the nursing home in Brockton. She was 80.

She was born August 21, 1925, at home in Gay Head, the daughter of Nellie Vesta (Manning) Belain and stepdaughter of Granville (Jack) Belain.

Bernice attended the one-room school in Gay Head along with her sister, Hazel, and her brothers, Harold Manning and Albert Belain.

In 1945 she married Nelson Alton Francis. They were the parents of Eugene Ernest and Natalie Lillian. Shortly after the birth of her children, Bernice became ill and was hospitalized. She spent her most recent years in a nursing home, unable to return to her home.

Nelson and the children often visited Bernice during her lengthy hospitalization, until his death on April 21, 1960. The children then visited with their mother while accompanied by their grandparents, Jack and Nellie. Being elderly and in poor health themselves, however, there came a time when they could no longer make the trip off-Island.

In later years at the nursing home in Brockton, Bernice was loved by the staff and was always smiling. She made herself known to them by walking around and talking to those she came in contact with. She enjoyed the music programs put on by the activities department. The staff at the nursing home all will miss her. She also enjoyed visits from her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and looked forward to their bringing her candy.

Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Nellie, and by her siblings, Hazel Ashby, Harold Manning and Albert Belain. Her husband, Nelson Francis, died in 1960 and their son, Eugene Francis, died in September 1998 in Ohio.

She is survived by her daughter, Natalie Lillian Francis, and her children, Anthony Belain, Louis Belain and Paula Belain. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren who all reside in Mashpee.

Services were officiated by the Rev. Roger H. Spinney on Dec. 14 at Community Baptist Church, with Kathryn B. Stewart as organist. Interment was at North Cemetery in Aquinnah under the direction of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home. A gathering of family and friends was held at the tribal building following the services.