Francine Margaret Boyd

Francine Margaret Boyd (1947-2022)

Following a brief illness, Francine Margaret Boyd passed away peacefully on June 7, 2022, surrounded by her family. Francine was born on October 25, 1947, in the Bronx, NY to Irene Sullivan Nekola and Francis (Bots) Nekola. The Nekolas moved to New Hyde Park, NY and Francine attended The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates, NY. She then enrolled at the College of the Notre Dame in Baltimore, Maryland, where she graduated in 1969. There, she made some of her closest lifelong friends. Following her father’s Red Sox scouting career and her sister’s family, Francine moved to Massachusetts and taught elementary school in North Reading, MA. Through other lifelong friends, Carol and Maury Cyr, Francine met her husband, Mike whom she married in 1974. Francine and Mike first lived in Watertown, MA, but settled in Walpole, MA in 1977 shortly after the birth of their daughter, Erin; their son Brian was born two years later.

Francine quickly made friends with her Walpole ‘newcomers’ and bonded with other mothers, sharing the bowling league and birthday parties. Francine was often seen walking around her neighborhood with her friends and attending her children’s sporting events during their Walpole school years. Francine stayed home with her children until they began elementary school and then resumed her teaching career in Walpole public schools.

Francine was a beloved teacher at the Old Post Road School in Walpole from 1987 until 2011, when she retired to help care for her grand boys. Her fellow teachers remember her as a dedicated educator and a considerate mentor who provided constant love and support to her colleagues and students. Francine treasured, and is treasured, by her OPR colleagues and fondly remembered by her students.

In 2016, Mike and Francine started spending several months in Jupiter, FL and got to spend more time with Francine’s brother-in-law, Greg Boyd and mother-in-law, Beverley Boyd. Francine was fond of ‘floating’ in the pool and made many Florida friends quickly at the Ocean Bluffs Condo community. Francine made wonderful friends there who loved and cherished her company.

Francine was generous, kind, caring, feisty, and always up for a meal out or glass of Chardonnay. She loved music and dancing and was a hit at every family wedding. Francine loved traveling and shared some great trips with friends and family. Francine will be remembered for her signature red hair, impressive wardrobe, sophisticated style and her many dear friendships. She had a contagious smile, sparkling eyes, and the most loyal heart.

Francine’s favorite role was as ‘Nanny’ to six loving and energetic grandsons (Jacob Boyd (12), Alexander Butragueno Boyd (10), Benjamin Boyd (9), Charlie Butragueno Boyd (7), Paul Boyd (7), and Owen Boyd (4). Nanny always had moon cookies available, was ready for storytime, homework help. She watched countless sporting events, and shared lots of hugs. She loved her grandboys a ‘bushel and a peck’.

Francine is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, H. Michael Boyd of Walpole, MA, her adoring and grateful children: Erin Boyd (Oscar) of East Walpole, MA and Brian Boyd (Sarah) of Franklin, MA; her sister Carol Monahan (John) of Alexandria, VA, her brother-in-law, Greg Boyd of Hobe Sound, FL, and her mother-in-law, Beverley Boyd of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, as well as her Long Island nieces: Debbie, Susan, Lori, and nephew Jeff; Virginia/Maryland/Colorado nieces/nephews: John, Barbara, Mary, Jeanne, and Christopher.

Francine touched so many lives with her caring, fun, loving and generous spirit. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and OPR colleagues. She provided constant love and support to her children and family. We will carry her in our hearts forever. Francine was predeceased in death by her parents and her sister Barbara Campana.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Francine’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Francine Boyd to the Old Post Road PAC https://www.oprpac.org/ so that Francine’s family can choose some educational materials to benefit the students and staff in her honor. Hug your loved ones.