Matthew John Francis

The family of Matthew John Francis sadly announces his passing on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with his family by his side. Born February 10, 1944 to the late Mathew John Mattie and Mary Jane Cremo, he was raised by foster parents the late Paul and Bella Francis and Mary Ellen and Andrew Mattie Simon. Matthew was a ‘Jack of all trades’, being able to put his hand to any given task. He worked for many years as a lumberjack and as a potato harvester at Aroostook County, Maine. Matthew was a janitor at the Mi’qmaw Lodge, where he enjoyed being of service to his community. Much of his past time was spent with family and friends, playing cards, bingo, attending car shows and collecting model cars. He also loved to drive around listening to Elvis and enjoyed the beauty of nature and the scenery around him. He is survived by his partner, Bernice Augustine; siblings, Mary Bridget Paul (Herman), Mary Googoo (Camielle Voisine), Paul Nicholas (Charlene), all of Eskasoni, Katherine (Walter Isadore), Jane Simon (Allister), both of Wagmatcook and Lawrence Cremo, Boston. Also surviving are godchildren, Joshua Nicholas, Joseph Levi Isadore, Andrew Mattie Simon and Casey Prosper. Matthew was predeceased by siblings, Susie Bernard, Ida Bernard, Mary Bell Isadore, John Simon and Michael Pierro, all of Wagmatcook, Levi Francis and Annie Francis of Eskasoni. Visitation for Mr. Francis will begin after 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 7 at the Gabriel Center, Eskasoni. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 9 at Holy Family Church with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery, Eskasoni. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.