Frances Virginia (Knights) Palczynski

Of Saugus embarked upon her final journey on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born in Newburyport on July 21, 1927, daughter of the late Susie (DeRoche) and John Knights. She is pre-deceased by her husband Joseph E. Palczynski.

   Fran raised five children of whom she was very proud: Carol Morgan and husband Daniel of Salem; Heather Doyle and husband George of Melrose; Holly Kirby and husband Edward of Wilmington; Joseph Palczynski of Saugus; and Michael Palczynski and wife Sheila of Dover, NH. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Erin & John Doyle; Katherine Morgan; Kyle & Hannah Kirby; Joseph & Samantha Palczynski; and Cameron, Matthew, and Elisabeth Palczynski. She also had 2 great grand-children, Charlotte and Margot Palczynski. She was the sister of Alberta (Dolly) Sparklin of Great Falls, Montana, and Andrew McCurdy of New Port Richey, Florida. She is predeceased by her sister Betty Knights, and brothers Albert (Dickie) Knights and Philip McCurdy.

   As a young woman, Fran waitressed the seasonal circuit from the Mt. Washington Valley to Miami. She met her husband while working at Almy’s in Salem. While raising her kids, she was an aide at the Felton School in Saugus. Going back to waitressing, “Fran P.” worked at Hilltop Steak House for more than 20 years. Fran had a sharp mind and keen sense of humor. She loved crossword puzzles, Cryptoquote, and Jeopardy, answering questions until the very end. She was a regular at the Saugus Senior Center. She enjoyed travel, including trips to Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Iceland, Belgium, Great Britain, Bermuda, Bahamas, Tortola, St. Martin and Puerto Rico, and many US destinations. She said her favorite Thanksgiving was at a Burger King in London! Fran also enjoyed frequent stays in North Conway with family.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus, Wednesday, April 5. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.