It is with profound sadness that the family of Irene Francis Bianchi (Fran) of Salem, announces her passing on September 16, 2021. Born in Lowell on April 24, 1920, she was the daughter of Samuel and Stefania (Zarnowska) Parent. At an early age, her family moved to Salem, where she would later meet her husband, the late Albert B. Bianchi. They were married in the midst of a raging snow storm just before Al left to go to war.  They shared 59 years of marriage. Fran and Al raised three daughters in Salem. She bestowed the nickname "my three queens" to her daughters and spoiled them to a fault. She spent her career working at GTE Sylvania in Salem until she retired.

Fran lived her 101 years of life to the fullest.  She was an impeccable homemaker and her home showed it. She created a home filled with love, laughter, homemade treats, and important life lessons. Family always came first for her, and Sunday family dinners were a constant in her and Al's home. Whether it was only a few for dinner or the entire family, she always had plenty of food at the ready and no one ever left hungry. The fact that she was an incredible cook and baker never disappointed.  Her persistence at perfecting pie-making became the envy of many. In addition to Fran's talents in the kitchen, she was in a bowling league, and she was an avid card player. On Saturday nights, she and Al played cards into the wee hours of the night with dear friends trying to bluff one another for the last big payout.  We, of course, scurried downstairs in the morning to find  all of the loose change that ended up on the floor, sometimes intentionally.  Up until a year ago, she was always ready for a good card game and was still beating family members most of the time.

With a passion for travel, Fran jumped at the chance to do so whenever she could. Sinking her toes in the pink sands of Bermuda, attending her Grandson Kevin's wedding in France, exploring our dad's homeland in Italy, and scenic rides to New York, and Quebec. The fall foliage trip to the White Mountains was an annual event, and never disappointed.   Unforgettable memories were created with lifelong family friends, the Morneau's, and Savageau's . All three families built pop-up trailers, which made for the greatest summer vacations and boundless memories together on Sebago Lake in Maine. Fran was known to sit by the campfire there with Ginny Morneau laughing, "tipping the elbow" with cold beers and talking until the sun came up. In more recent years, she spent time at her daughter Nancy's home in Greenville, Maine with the Adrien's dog, Echo, always by her side.  She also spent time at her daughter Alice's homes in Naples, Florida and Waterboro, Maine. Regardless of the location, she loved socializing with anyone in her path, birdwatching, spending time with family, soaking up the sun, swimming, and simply enjoying life.

Fran was forever proud of her daughters, and they were her world.  When her grandchildren were born, she savored every minute spent with them and talked about each of them to anyone who would listen. Despite not being able to keep up with the energy of her six great-grandchildren, she tried her best and was always full of silliness and laughter when they were around. She genuinely relished the time spent with all family and friends, which made her 100th birthday in 2021 that much more exciting.

A birthday cake and certificate personally delivered by Representative Paul Tucker (also from Senator Joan Lovely) kicked off her special day.  A rolling parade included Massachusetts State Police, Danvers Fire Department, police from other local towns, fifty-plus cars outfitted with decorations, many signs and even a news spot on local TV stations. So many people from near and far came together to honor one incredible woman and there is no doubt she deserved all of it.

She is survived by her three daughters, Nancy Adrien and her husband, Ron Adrien, of Greenville, ME; Joan Aucone of Danvers, MA, and her partner, Michael Sabbagh, of Boston, MA; and Alice Bianchi and her husband, Randal Chalifour, of Salem, MA; Her three grandchildren Shannon Bessin and her husband, Geoff Bessin, of Boxford, MA; Kevin Adrien and his wife, Aurelie Adrien, of Greenville, ME; Jaime Andrews and her husband, Simon Andrews, of Marblehead, MA; as well as six great-grandchildren, Matthieu and Logan Adrien of Greenville, ME; Isla and Calum Andrews of Marblehead, MA; Kate Andrews of Bournemouth, England and Archer Bessin of Boxford, MA.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kathleen Flood of Malden, MA; brother-in-law, Richard Bianchi of Arizona, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert Bianchi; granddaughter, Corrie Lyn Adrien; grandson, Jason Bianchi-Chalifour; sister, Estelle Perron; brothers Frank, Stephen, Maurice, and Daniel Parent; and son in law, John Aucone.

Fran's family would like to express their most sincere gratitude to the Baker Unit at Masconomet Health Care Center in Topsfield, Harborside Hospice, as well as those who provided private care for her at home within the last two years. The unconditional care, love, and compassion she received will never be forgotten

A small funeral service will be held for Fran on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 11AM at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street in Salem, MA. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem. The hours of visitation will be held prior to the funeral starting at 9AM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Information, directions, and condolences can be found at www.murphyfuneralhome.com .  In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Jude, the Northeast Animal Shelter, Feeding America or a charity of your choice.