In honor and memory…
Irene Pearl Lovelace-Francis
August 7th, 1947 – June 16, 2026
Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Irene Pearl Lovelace-Francis.
Irene was born in Sunnyside, Washington, graduated high school in Bend, Oregon, and resided in Fairbanks, AK, Salem/Prineville/Terrebonne/Redmond, OR, and Lacey/Bothell/Sultan/Lynnwood, WA.
She was a daughter and caregiver to her two late parents, and played a significant role in her survivor’s lives: sister to two brothers, wife of 60 years to her husband, mother to two sons, aunt to nine nieces & nephews, grandmother to four, great-grandmother to two, friend to many, and a participating volunteer to several socially and environmentally progressive causes.
She held several jobs, including maid, clerk, upholsterer, mill worker, and (her favorite) librarian.
Her spirit lifted her family and touched many extended family members, friends, and members of her community.
She lived with a song in her spirit, believing in praising and worshipping God with joyful music, letting her gratitude rise like a steady light. Her loyalty was fierce, her convictions unwavering, and her heart attuned to truth, honesty, and justice. She embodied the integrity God delights in, reflecting the words of Proverbs 12:22 — “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”; epitomizedEphesians 4:25 – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”; and personified Psalm 107:1 – “Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Irene’s passions shined in her activities as an affirmative activist, garden treasure hunter, creative artist (porcelain dolls, doll clothes, jewelry, shadow-box designs, chimes, among others), genealogy, and unbending research in biblical and non-fiction stories with accounts of unfortunate circumstances having fortunate endings.
Close family members remember Irene for how thoughtful and caring she was to her family and friends, gardening, walking, pursuit of holistic health and nutrition, arts & crafts, the environment, G-rated mysteries, and story-telling.
One of her most prominent and disciplined practices was privately reading scriptures and incorporating & practicing God’s teachings in her daily life.
John 8:31-32 – “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
In ushering her into God’s presence, a service will be held at:
10:00AM, Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
Redmond Community Church
237 NW 9th St, Redmond, Oregon 97756
In-person attendance can be arranged with Scott Francis at 206-372-6247 or Allan Francis at 971-724-0751.
For remote attendance, the service will be streamed live via this link, starting at 10:00AM: https://youtube.com/live/5ECXZMhcOyA?feature=share.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your choice of:
Deschutes Library Foundation
mail to:
P.O. Box 963, Bend, Oregon 97709
Tax ID# 94-3178822
Or…
Online at:
https://www.dplfoundation.org/donate
The Nature Conservatory
Online at:
Both causes being close to Irene’s heart.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers in celebration of Irene receiving of her heavenly reward.