Rachelle "Shelley" Marie Francoeur

, With heavy hearts and deep profound love, we announce the passing of Shelley Francoeur, who left this world on May 28, 2025, surrounded by her children and devoted husband after a courageous battle with ALS. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Shelley's legacy is one of honesty, love, and unwavering strength.

Born on December 17, 1956, in Everett MA, Shelley graduated from Nashua High School, Class of 1974. She was a proud and active alumna, serving with heart on the Class of ’74 Scholarship Committee and maintained so many strong friendships with classmates.

On April 24, 1976, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Bill Francoeur, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span over five decades. Together, they raised three children Jason, Craig, and Shyla and delighted in the joy of their five grandchildren: Preston, Julia, Colin, Kenna, and Ashton, who were the lights of her life.

Shelley was a force of nature, fierce, compassionate, and impossible to ignore. Her presence lit up every room she entered, some would say they could feel her coming. Her voice was always one of strength and advocacy for those who needed it most. For over 20 years, Shelley poured her heart and energy into mentoring and supporting young athletes through numerous organizations, shaping lives both on and off the field. Her community spirit shined through in her countless hours of volunteer work with PTOs, youth sports organizations, athletic boards, and as a dedicated cheerleading coach. Her legacy lives on in the many people she touched, the causes she championed, the organizations she led and the unwavering example she set of what it means to lead with purpose and love.

Shelley’s deepest passion was her family. She rarely missed a game, concert, recital, or a cheerleading competition, proudly cheering on her children and then grandchildren. Her other passions were dancing with her husband, knitting, crocheting, reading, cooking, puzzles, and diamond art.

Shelley had a varied and accomplished career, owning A1 Tailoring and the Art of Sewing, working in management with Dunkin’ Donuts, and ultimately retiring from Fidelity Investments in June 2021. Her work ethic, leadership, and kindness left lasting impressions everywhere she went.

She is survived by her beloved husband Bill Francoeur; children and significant others Jason and Nicole, Craig and Tricia, Shyla and Nick, and former daughter-in-law Melissa; grandchildren Preston, Julia, Colin, Kenna, and Ashton; siblings Loraine and Tom Stumpf, Nicole and Michael Hanning, Paula and Todd Holbrook, Sheila Bisson, Randolph Bisson, Doug Bisson; and in-laws Michael Francoeur, Allan Francoeur, John Francoeur, Norma Moreau, Cassandra and Scott Purcell.

Shelley is now reunited in peace with her parents, Joseph and Mary Loraine Bisson, her brother Greg Bisson, sister-in-law Fay Francoeur, and brothers-in-law Ronald Francoeur and Daniel Moreau.

Shelley’s warmth, strength, and fierce love for her family and community will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she so dearly loved.

SERVICES: Memorial Gathering will be held at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 26 Kinsley Street, Nashua NH, on Friday, June 6th from 4pm-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Compassionate Care ALS - https://ccals.org/donate/?donateto=14389, or mail to: Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.