Mary Ann Francis

Mary Ann Gonsalves Francis, 61, passed away on Friday, January, 20, 2017, after she was involved in a car accident near her Monterey home. Mary was born on April 27, 1955 at the Camp Zama military base in the Kanagawa province of Japan to John Dennis Gonsalves and Naoko Tsuchiya Gonsalves. Her family moved several times early in her childhood, living in Thomas River, New Jersey, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and Oahu, Hawaii before settling in Marina, California in 1963. Mary attended several local schools and graduated from Seaside High School in 1973. She then studied at Monterey Peninsula College before transferring to and graduating from University of California, Davis in 1978 with a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture. Soon after graduating, Mary wed Salvatore John Francis, also from Monterey, and started a family. Her son, Mark Daniel Francis was born in March of 1979 and her daughter, Linda Marie Francis was born in February of 1981. Mary spent several years raising her children and working with her husband in their landscaping business, before finding her calling and returning to school to get her teaching credentials. Mary began her teaching career at Rancho San Justo Middle School in Hollister, California. She taught science and was a coach at the school for a decade. During her time at Rancho San Justo, Mary raised her children and spent time with her family and friends. Mary enjoyed supporting her children in their water sports- Synchronized Swimming and Competitive Swimming. With the children graduated, Mary was fortunate to find Walter Lenker. Although Mary loved her time at Rancho San Justo, she was happy to move to San Jose to be with Walter and sons Weston and Glen. Mary spent the second part of her career working at Martin Murphy Middle School where she taught 7th grade science, coached sports teams, and oversaw the leadership program for many years. Mary was always engaging in new topics in science, and spent time doing additional training and learning at Intel, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and so many other places. Mary is fortunate to have many coworkers and current and former students that she cares for, and her contributions as a teacher, mentor, friend, and coach at Martin Murphy is her legacy as a professional educator. Upon Mary's return to the Monterey Peninsula she continued to enjoy her hobbies and passions (horses, dogs, reading, hiking, music); being a person who could not resist being 100% engaged in life. Mary was fortunate to find love with Mike Crawford and has spent the past five blissful years pursuing many more adventures. With her children grown and her heart content, Mary was always happy spending time with the wonderful people in her life and we all benefited from her radiating happiness and positive energy. Mary is preceded in death by her father, John Gonsalves and nephew Jared Gonsalves - survived by wife, Rebecca. Mary is survived by her mother Naoko Nora Gonsalves; her brother Dale Gonsalves and his wife Marcella; her son Mark Francis and his wife, Jocelyn, and daughter, Linda Francis and her partner, Jason. She is also survived by nieces Sarah Chang and her husband, Steven, and Danielle Gonsalves, and many other dear family members and friends. Mary leaves behind her beloved dog, Kona. Although Mike Crawford is left without his life partner, he survives Mary and continues to follow their passions in music, nature, science, and especially life. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 3rd from 6-8 pm, with the Rosary beginning at 7 pm. A service will be held on Saturday, February, 4th at 9:30 am at San Carlos Church, with a Celebration of Life Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Martin Murphy Middle School for Mary's garden project- https://www.gofundme.com/murphygarden-maryfrancis. Donations will be used to help continue the work Mary started on the garden, which will be dedicated in her honor.