Marblehead. Frances Mary (Fournier) Sheridan, age 79 of Marblehead, passed away peacefully in her home on July 20, 2024, surrounded by family.  She was predeceased by her husband, Bradley Sheridan, in 2005. Mother of Timothy and his wife Susan Sheridan, Christy and her husband Rick Gable, Peter Sheridan and Katie Sheridan. Loving Fifi to all her "favorite" grandchildren: Lochlan and Connor Sheridan; Brigette, Ellie Frances, Caroline and Vivienne Gable; Beckett, Avery and Charlotte Sheridan.

Fran was born on January 23, 1945 ("12345") in Fitchburg, MA to Roland and Mae (Lavoie) Fournier. She went to St. Bernard's High and graduated from Fitchburg State College. She later received her Masters in Education from Lesley College. Fran was crowned the Miss Fitchburg Bicentennial Queen in 1964, where she represented Massachusetts at the New York World's Fair and was awarded what she referred to as the "largest trophy in the family". After college, she met the love of her life, Brad, when both were working at the Christopher Ryder House on Cape Cod. They were married on May 25, 1968 and spent 37 years together. Fran started her teaching career in Newton, MA, teaching special education before moving to the North Shore and focusing on raising her children. Those years involved lots of noise, food and laughter and driving the woody station wagon to various sporting events and activities. Fran called kids home from the top of Gatchell's hill and if they had misbehaved, they might be subject to a face that was named "the Jaw". She returned to teaching at Bell, Eveleth and Glover Schools in Marblehead as a kindergarten teacher until her retirement in 2010. She is remembered by her students as a caring and energetic force with a loud singing voice. She loved teaching early readers and started a reading buddies program at Glover that paired kindergarten and fourth grade students and encouraged their shared love of books. "Fun Friday" was time spent with her grandchildren and friends that included book club, craft time, baking cookies and running various errands in the convertible.

Fran was a long-time member of the Beach Club and enjoyed over 50 years of friendships made at the pool, courts and beach. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed walking the beach and collecting shells on Siesta Key. There were also memorable trips to Maine, Colorado, Virgin Gorda, Bermuda, Hawaii, England, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France and Ireland with friends and family. Fran was an avid gardener and could often be found early morning still in her robe or pajamas covered in dirt, cultivating her favorite dahlias. She loved playing bridge, cribbage, tennis, and golf, and enjoyed skiing, knitting, harbor cruising, juicy chit-chat and dancing. Fran also loved hosting dinner gatherings, parties and especially Thanksgiving, which involved lots of pie, vanilla ice cream and everything with loads of butter.

Fran was the consummate mother figure to all, including many of Brad's basketball players over the years. An avid sports fan, she loved watching her family members play and coach, and could always be heard on the sidelines cheering loudly with her unmistakable voice. If you were lucky to be part of that, you were lucky enough.

Fran will be remembered for her signature red lipstick, her friendly smile, her sense of adventure, her mentorship and as a fiercely loyal friend.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Fran is survived by her siblings, Roland Butch Fournier (Dede), Anne Fournier (Judy) and Margaret Fournier (Cheryl) and many adored Fournier, Lavoie, Sheridan and Kelly nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and granddogs.

Our family wishes to acknowledge the remarkable care our mother received from MGH, especially the oncology and infusion teams in Danvers. They do the work of angels.

Mass will be celebrated on August 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 85 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, followed by a private burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite cancer charity, Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools or plant a garden in Fran's memory.