It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Francesca “Franny” Dodd. She was born on May 3, 1938, and she dedicated her life to her loving husband, to her three sons and their wives, to her nieces and nephews, and above all, to her 4 beloved grandchildren. If you ever met Franny, you would surely have a story to tell about her. Please bring a story to her celebration of life! She was a force of nature. Whether she was feeding you eggplant parmigiana in her kitchen, gathering “tea” about your social life or entertaining you with funny stories about others, Franny was all about engagement. She approached life with passion, laughter, generosity, and love. She left us peacefully on November 25, 2025, just as the new day was dawning. In her last days she was surrounded by her loving family. She will be sorely missed and forever remembered.

Franny is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Richard Stanton Dodd, 88, and her beloved three sons and their wives: Richard and Carolyn Dodd, Michael and Denyse Dodd, Anthony Dodd and Margaret Fagan. Her legacy continues through her four cherished grandchildren and their partners: Oliver and his wife Denise Stevens, Samuel, Isabelle, and Ethan.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Chapel, 32 Summer Street, Yarmouth Port, MA. Interment ceremony will follow immediately after the Chapel service at the Woodside Cemetery.

Anyone who knew Fran knew the size of her heart and how deeply she valued family. Nothing brought her more joy than supporting her grandchildren. She championed every interest, passion, and dream with unwavering pride. In that spirit, and in lieu of flowers, we invite you to consider a donation to one of the nonprofits chosen by her grandchildren: Isabelle, Ethan, Sam, and Oliver - each reflecting a cause they care about and a way to carry forward Fran’s legacy of love and encouragement. Isabelle chose the Jimmy Fund — supporting “Friends for Life” Neuroblastoma cancer research. Go to: Jimmyfund.org select: “My Gift is in Honor or Memory of Someone”, write in Francesca Dodd 158 Pleasant Street. Or mail a check in memory of Francesca Dodd to Dana Farber Cancer Institute PO Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284. Sam chose the Alveus Sanctuary — supporting their wildlife sanctuary, conservation, and education efforts. Go to: Alveussanctuary.org. Ethan chose Artists for Humanity — inspiring, empowering, and employing 400+ teens annually through art, creativity, and enterprise. Go to: afhboston.org. Oliver chose Nucleate — providing free, world-class training and professional development for emerging scientific founders, helping innovators translate their science into life-saving impact. Go to nucleate.org/giving.

Life dealt my Mother a lot of difficult cards. Situations that would have sent others into alcoholism or an early grave. But my Mother wouldn't have it. She fought as hard as she could, managed what she could with the cards she was dealt, and made the world a far better place for herself and others. And she did all this without the help of any God. She didn't need one. She simply embraced the Golden Rule as best as she could manage with the cards she had been dealt, and will forever by my hero of grace.

Franny was magical. Big smile. Big heart. My mom. Doris. Adored her. Always Franny ! Always.

Granny was one of a kind, by any definition. We were lucky to meet when we were in our early teens, and have shared MANY an enjoyable time, from the Commercial Club, to Kiawah Island, to Beacon Hill, to St. Croix, to Bass River, always happy to be together. May God allow us all to dwell on those good times we have shared. RIP and God Bless, Ralph & Sandy.

Please consider making a donation to the National Alzheimer's Association, National Alzheimer's Foundation, or your local affiliates that promote research and care for those afflicted with this cruel disease.

Franny was a proud Mother and Grandmother, she loved cooking for her family And friends. I will always remember her beautiful smile. She had her own sense Of Style and loved new recipes. Heaven definitely received an Angel and for all her family and friends she will be missed. I will forever cherish the times I spent with her, Doris. Nick, Bobby, Maureen and Dick. And all the lunches at the Cape with the girls! RIP Dear Franny.