Stafford Springs, CT : Francine A. (Surprenant) Smith, 73, of New City Rd., passed away on Thursday, Dec. 5th, in her home after a long illness.

Her beloved husband of 37 years, Barry F. Smith, passed away in 2018. They were together for a total of 50 years prior to his passing.  She leaves her brother, Napoleon Surprenant and his husband Richie Jackson of Staten Island, NY; her sister, Yvette Violet of Brimfield; her sister-in-law, Arlene Smith of Stafford Springs, CT; her brother-in-law, Joseph Poirier of Carthage, NC; and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.  She was predeceased by three brothers, William Surprenant, Richard Surprenant and Ernest St. Laurent and two sisters, Pauline O'Neill and Jeanne Poulin.  Francine was born in Springfield the daughter of the late Alphonse and Irene (St. Laurent) Surprenant.

Francine was the manager of the Cumberland Farms Convenience Store in Brimfield before retiring several years ago.  She previously owned and operated the Holland Market in Holland for 10 years.  Prior to that she worked for several years at her brother's restaurant, Napoleon's, in Sturbridge and also Hyde Manufacturing in Southbridge.  Francine enjoyed spending time at the Brimfield Senior Center and going to Foxwoods Casino. She loved to play cards and board games.  She was also extremely proud of her prize winning goats that she raised when she was a child. She spoke of them often.  Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Calling hours for Francine will be held on Friday, Dec. 13th, from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14th, at 11:00am in the First Congregational Church of Brimfield, 20 Main St., Brimfield, MA.  Burial will be private.