With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Frances Ann Hartley, who died on July 15, 2026, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 21, 1944, in South Boston and raised in Dorchester, Fran was proud of her roots and carried the strength, resilience, and straight-talking spirit of Southie with her throughout her life. She was known and loved for her honesty, her unwavering loyalty, and her ability to say exactly what was on her mind.

Fran was the daughter of the late Francis and Ann Bonanno Brooks. She was survived by her sister, Carol Toland, and her brothers, Al Brooks and Jimmy Brooks. In a heartbreaking turn for the family, her beloved sister Carol passed away just days later.

Before becoming a mother, Fran worked in the insurance industry. She later devoted herself to being a homemaker and raising her family—a role she considered her proudest and most important accomplishment.

Fran married her beloved husband, Jim Hartley, on September 10, 1966. For nearly 60 years, they shared a devoted marriage and built a life centered on family, hard work, and enduring love. They made their home in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where they raised their four daughters. Together, they created countless memories and a legacy that will live on for generations.

Fran enjoyed the music of the 70s and 80s, especially disco, Elvis Presley, and Michael Bolton. She was an avid Boston Bruins and New England Patriots fan and loved working in the yard, creating beautiful needlepoint projects, and joining the family company’s work trips. Annual family vacations to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, held a special place in her heart. Fran and Jim also lived in Florida for approximately 10 years, where she treasured the friendships, they made.

Her greatest accomplishment and joy were her family. She was a proud and loving mother to her daughters, Lynda Hartley, Denise Hartley, Brenda Dale, and Karen Bacon. She was a cherished grandmother to 12 grandchildren and a delighted great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren. She found her greatest happiness in the milestones, celebrations, and everyday moments shared with those she loved most.

Fran had a special gift for making a house feel like a home. Her family will always remember the aroma of her homemade sauce and meatballs simmering in the kitchen, prepared from a treasured family recipe passed down through their Sicilian relatives. For everyone who loved her, that familiar smell meant comfort, tradition, and being home.

Whether she was working on a needlepoint project stitch by stitch, singing along to a favorite song, cooking for the people she loved, or cheering on one of her teams, Fran brought warmth, laughter, and comfort wherever she went. Her family will forever remember the sound of her voice, her unmistakable honesty, and the way she made everyone feel cared for.

She taught those around her the importance of being genuine, standing by your family, and showing up when it mattered most. Her strength was matched only by her generosity, and her love was constant and unconditional. She loved with her whole heart and never left anyone wondering where they stood with her.

Though she will be profoundly missed, her spirit lives on in her husband, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

We take comfort in knowing that her legacy is woven through the family she loved so fiercely and the memories she leaves behind—memories that will be cherished forever.

May she rest in peace, held forever in our hearts and remembered with love, laughter, and gratitude.

Funeral arrangements will be under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street, Plymouth. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on July 24, 2026, from 9:00 - 10:00 am, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 313 Court Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts, at 10:30 am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Fran by spending time with those you love, sharing a meal with friends, or by making a donation to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation in her memory. Make a Donation - https://www.helpfightra.org/donations/