Carol Anne Francis, 73, of Salem MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 29, 2026.

Born on January 5, 1953, at Chelsea Naval hospital in Chelsea, MA., she was the cherished daughter of Arthur Francis and Betty Martin. Carol graduated from Ipswich High School in 1971 and began her career at Ma Bell, which later became Verizon, where she worked for 32 years. Carol was also a member of “The Couplings,” Merrimac’s Fire Department Auxiliary while she lived in Merrimac MA.

Carol enjoyed spending time with family, especially time spent during holidays and special events at her sister Ellena’s house. She will be remembered for love of family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her father, Arthur Francis, and stepmother, Jeannine Francis; her daughters, Shay Belair (Adam Belair), and Jayne Hopper; and her beloved grandchildren, Benjamin Belair, Jonathan Belair, Jackson Pond, Elizabeth Pond, and Mackenzie Hopper. She also leaves behind her sisters Ellena Preston (James Preston), Susan Weeks (Joseph Weeks), and Gayle Sheldon (Roy Sheldon); her sister‑in‑law Anne Francis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frederick Hopper, with whom they welcomed their two daughters; her second husband, Bruce Mailhoit, whom she loved dearly; and her third husband, George Watson, her later‑life partner and friend, her mother, Betty Martin; her brother, Donald Francis; and her nephew, Charles Francis.

A memorial mass will be held at St Anne’s Church at 292 Jefferson Ave Salem MA on August 17 at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts. The family deeply appreciates the compassionate care they provided for Carol in her final days.