Frances Ann Lavin, formerly of South Dennis, MA, passed peacefully on October 30th at the home she shared with her daughter Nancy in Plympton, MA. Born in Woonsocket, RI and raised in West Boylston, MA, she was the daughter of Andrew and Grace Quist and the sister of Richard Quist of Fort Meyers, FL. Her brothers Fredrick, Kenneth, and William pre-deceased her as did her former husband James B. Lavin, Jr. She leaves her six children, Carol and her husband John Terrio of South Dennis, MA, Judy and her husband Bill Gagnon of Duxbury, MA, James Lavin of Brewster, Nancy Lavin-Richard of Plympton, MA, Michael Lavin of Plymouth, MA and Patrick Lavin of Burlington, VT. She was a loving grandmother to John, Maeve and Patrick Terrio, Ryan and Jack Gagnon, Molly and Owen Lavin, James and Gerard Richard, Thomas and Julia Lavin, and Michael Bell, and her great granddaughter Stella Gagnon. She leaves many treasured nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Fran attended West Boylston High School where she had a starring role in the Senior Class Play “Curtains Going Up.” She was very active serving as a Student Council Representative and a member of both the National Honor Society and the Prep Club. Fran also worked on the School Newspaper Staff and was a two-sport varsity athlete in Field Hockey and Basketball.

She graduated from the Mount Auburn Hospital School of Nursing and was a proud member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary where she relished helping on patrols. While raising her six children, Fran worked as a practicing nurse and real estate broker. Once her children were grown, Fran found her true passion, becoming a champion for the improvement in care for those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. She served as the Alzheimer's program director at Eagle Pond Rehabilitation and Living Center in South Dennis where she developed her outstanding reputation, leading to numerous training workshops and lectures, including before the United States Congress. She went on to consult with many Alzheimer’s facilities throughout MA, ensuring the appropriate interior design and setting for patient care, and developing protocols for facility staff. Fran was a founding board member of Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod and the Islands and served on the board of the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association.

She was an avid gardener, reader, puzzler and crossworder, loved to travel, enjoyed jazz music, and was famous for her annual Labor Day parties at 19 Cove Road.

Fran leaves a legacy of love, compassion and strength that will live on in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate to know her.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 7th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 8th at Saint Pius X Church, Station Avenue in South Yarmouth. For those that are unable to travel, the Funeral Mass will be available via livestream on the St. Pius X Facebook page.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, 2095 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, www.alzfamilysupport.org.

Fran was a great lady, will be missed by many.

Fran was a delight to work with, she will be missed by so many.

So many fond memories of times spent together. Fran and I were both professionals as geriatric care managers, and also enjoyed travels to Europe and Maine. She always placed her family first. I know she will be sorely missed by everyone she touched. God bless Fran.

Fran was a wonderful caring person Great lady I will treasure my memories and correspondence with her RIP Fran Condolences to the family Sincerely Jan