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Francis, Marie Newfield

Longtime Chattanoogan Was Active With Many Local Organizations

  • Monday, March 1, 2021
Marie Francis
Marie Francis

Marie Newfield Francis, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, died on Sunday, February 28, 2021.

Marie was born in New Orleans, LA, on March 21, 1922.  There she attended Holy Angels Academy and Raybin Business School.

Marie was a volunteer nurses’ aide at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. At Charity, she met a resident surgeon, Dr. Guy Martin Francis, Sr.  They were married in New Orleans in 1944 and then moved to Chattanooga, where Dr. Francis began his surgical practice at Campbell’s Clinic.

Marie lived in Chattanooga for over 70 years and was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Catholic Church, OLPH Home and School Association, NDHS Friends Association, Girls Scouts of America, Ave Maria Circle, Meals on Wheels, Ladies of Charity, Legion of Mary, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, CHC Medical Alliance and the Missionary Ridge Garden Club. In 2000, Marie moved to Alexian Village on Signal Mountain.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-one years, Dr. Guy Martin Francis, Sr.; her parents: Paul Charles Newfield, Sr., and Marie Louise Terrell Newfield; her three brothers: Paul Charles Newfield, Jr., of Mandeville, LA; Msgr. John Lyle Newfield of New Orleans, Frank Henry Newfield of New Orleans, and her sister, Virginia Christina Newfield of New Orleans.

She is survived by her three children: Elizabeth (Dr. Phillip) Kaleida, Knoxville; Mary Francis Corrigan, Nashville; and Guy Martin Francis, Jr., Knoxville; six grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Marie was loved by many for her constant cheerful disposition and her vibrant faith.

Marie’s family is grateful to the staff of Alexian Healthcare for their compassionate care and to her dedicated caregiver, Brenda.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, 801 Dominican Drive, Nashville, TN 37228-1909 or Grandevue Study Center, 1363 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217.

Due to the pandemic, a Mass of Christian Burial will be attended only by immediate family.

Please share your thoughts and memories atwww.chattanooganorthchapel.com.

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