Francesann (Boeker) Anderson

FrancesAnn (Boeker) Anderson, 86, of North Attleboro, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Madonna Manor in North Attleboro, MA. She was the beloved wife of the late Roy Edward Anderson, who passed in January 2008 after 50 years of marriage. She was also the cherished mother of the late Roy Anton Anderson who died August 1, 2007.
Born in Springfield, MA on June 24, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Wayne C. Boeker and Sarah (Pratt) Boeker, and older sister of the late Weltha Boeker. Raised primarily in Attleboro, she was a 1953 graduate of Attleboro High School.
Frances went on to attend Rhode Island College (RIC) achieving a teaching degree. After graduation, she was a second-grade teacher in Cumberland (RI) for eight years before leaving to focus on raising her family.
A very versatile person, she returned to teaching and became "the permanent sub" in the North Attleboro school system - she was a substitute teacher who could teach kindergarten to high school, shop class to band practice, English to Science - and everything in between.
Her love for music kept her active in the community as she was a member of the former Attleboro Chaminade Opera Group, a singing soprano. She also played the piano and gave lessons to children of all ages. She loved musicals, and was often known to attend shows in Providence and Boston - most notably attending Phantom of the Opera whenever it came to the area. After music, she loved to read. Being a teacher, come June, she would indulge herself in a plentiful summer reading list.
At age 50, Frances went back to school at Rhode Island College and earned a master's degree in Special Education. Soon after completion, she was hired by the Woonsocket (RI) Middle/Junior High School, teaching Resource and Special Ed.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at age 62, and retiring from teaching at 65, Frances went on to form and facilitate the South Eastern Massachusetts Parkinson's Disease Support Group, directing it for over 10 years. During her tenure, she was awarded the Medal of Volunteer Hero by the Rhode Island American Parkinson Disease Association recognizing her continuous service in presenting information and activities that directly helped caregivers and persons with Parkinson's Disease, as well as fundraising for Parkinson's research.
Frances was an active "helper" of the North Attleboro Historical Society, supplying information and images of North Attleboro history. Frances was an actual student of the town's Little Red Schoolhouse when it was located at its original location on May Street (serving the Adamsdale section of town), before the little schoolhouse was moved in 1972 to its present location next to the historic Woodcock Garrison House on the outskirt of town. Frances gave many presentations and talks about going to school in the Little Red Schoolhouse, how the students of different ages studied, and about the teachers who taught them.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Katrin Elise Anderson, and her niece, Denise (Goyette) Wainwright, both of North Attleboro, MA; and her second family of friends, staff and residents at Madonna Manor to whom she was known as "The Mayor of the Second Floor."
A private graveside service followed by burial will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Newell Burying Ground, South Attleboro, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to The Activities Department at Madonna Manor, 85 North Washington Street, North Attleboro MA 02760.
To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an on-line guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.