Friends gathered to celebrate the life of Frances Price

Friends, colleagues and loved ones gathered at the Irish American Club last week to honor the memory of Frances Price, Speech Language Pathologist from Eliot Early Intervention, who worked in and made a tremendous impact for many children of Malden, Everett and the surrounding area.

Frances joined Eliot Community Human Services as a speech language pathologist in 1998. She specialized in speech, language and swallowing disorders in young children. As a speech language pathologist, she evaluated, diagnosed and treated children with communication and swallowing troubles. Her greatest joy was working with children and helping them with their speech issues. For Frances, her career was a truly a labor of love.

The event was a day of remembrances of a woman who meant so much to so many. Guests were invited to share stories and memories of Frances. Laurie Tobey-Freedman, LICSW, Senior Program Director of Eliot Early Intervention and Early Childhood MH Consultation, commenced and then invited others to share their memories. “Thank you all for coming to honor the remarkable life of Frances Price. When we lose someone suddenly, the way we lost Frances, it can feel like we didn’t have a chance to tell them how much they meant to us. Looking around this room today it is clear to see how much she meant to so many people – she was a huge part of our El program for so many years and touched SO many lives.”

Her friend Imene Bouziane Saidi shared, “I choose to remember you as the fierce warrior that you were. You would show up to every major life event for your families, an important doctor’s appointment, an annual IFSP meeting or a team meeting to discuss concerns or a transition meeting with the new school. You’d show up for birthdays whether if they fell on a session day… You’d show up on bad days, too, walking into our doors and turning our days around with your infectious smile and your kindness. You were so full of life, so full of love.”

Former clients of Frances also shared the effect she had on their lives. Dewayne Henry: “I just turned 18, and I know that without Francis, I wouldn’t be as articulate as I am now.”

“The first time I met Frances I knew she was an amazing person. She became a part of my family and she truly changed my son’s life,” said Amanda Spartichino.

The gathering was truly a celebration of the life of a woman who dedicated her life to children.

Donations in Frances’ name may be made to Eliot Community Human Services at https://www.eliotchs.org/donate/.