MIDDLEBURY — Francis J. Stevens peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Sept. 24, 2024, at Shard Villa Residential Care in Salisbury, Vt. Francis was 85 years old.

He was born in Fall River, Mass., to Delia (Mendes) Stevens Norman and Francis J. Stevens Sr. Francis married Elizabeth “Dianne” Foley in 1960. Together they raised three daughters, LeeAnn, Judy and Debbie. Francis was a hard worker, sometimes working two to three jobs. In his earlier years, Francis worked for Happy Home, delivering baked goods to homes. Then he went on to work a variety of other jobs, including carpentry.

In 1976, Francis and Dianne move their family to Salisbury, Vt., to assist Dianne’s aunt and uncle, Jean and Joseph Hatch, who were the directors at Shard Villa Residential Care Home. Francis did the building and grounds work at Shard Villa.

In 1980, Francis and Dianne moved to Middlebury, Vt. Both worked at the Middlebury Inn. In 1983, they opened The Middlebury Antique Center in Middlebury.

Francis leaves behind his family, Lee Ann (Ernie) Goodrich, Judith (Tad) Fyles and Deborah (Maurice) Quenneville, as well as nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Francis was predeceased by his wife, Dianne and parents, Delia Norman and Francis J. Stevens Sr.

Francis did not want any services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shard Villa Residential Care Home in memory of Francis: 1177 Shard Villa Rd., Salisbury, Vt. 05769.

Arrangements under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. ◊