Francena M. “Granny Franny” Sousa, 81, long time resident of Methuen, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday August 23, 2026, at the family home in Fremont, New Hampshire.

Born in Methuen, Massachusetts, she was the only daughter of the late, Ralph R. and Rose R. (Finocchiaro) Beal. Growing up in North Andover with her only brother, Ralph, Franny was a graduate of North Andover High School, Class of 1963.

Franny developed long-time friendships at each place she worked. She was employed by the Lawrence Public Schools for many years in roles ranging from Lunch Lady to paraprofessional. Over the years she also worked at various department stores, local restaurants (who remembers her after hours at Sam’s Steak Out) and as a Matron for the Lawrence Police Department. She loved playing Bingo and would loudly exclaim “Ole” every time the #69 was called. She looked forward to seeing her Bingo friends on Tuesdays. Franny absolutely loved Tom Jones and was lucky enough to see him live several times. She knew the lyrics to every song and would get up and dance with such pure joy. Franny was kind and generous. If you ever needed something returned without a receipt Franny was your girl! She welcomed the challenge and would not leave the store without either getting you a full refund or store credit. She was the center of her family. All she ever wanted in life was for her children to be happy. She was a true Mama Bear if you dare to cross any of them! Franny had a love for lilacs and looked forward to her daughters picking them for her on Mother’s Day.

Franny was truly loved by everyone that knew her. She will be forever missed especially by her adoring daughters, Nancy Sousa of Fremont, NH, Brenda Merrill& her husband Christopher of Danville, NH, her son, Paul A. Sousa, JR., brother, Ralph Beal, cherished grandchildren, Brittany Sousa, Taryn Merrill, Troy Merrill, Joseph Sousa and her great-grandchildren Lilah and Luca. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren put a sparkle in her gorgeous blue eyes and a smile on her beautiful face. She will also be sadly missed but forever in the heart of her longtime love, Linval “Henry” of Lawrence, MA. Franny is also survived by many nieces and nephews, of whom she loved. Francena was predeceased by her daughter, Tina (Sousa) Bryson. May we all be at peace knowing that she has been reunited with “her Tina” and her parents who she missed so dearly.

Relatives and friends are warmly welcomed to celebrate Franny’s life on Sunday August 30, 2026, with Calling Hours from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Plaistow, New Hampshire. Following the calling hours, at 4:15 PM, there will be a brief Funeral Service for Franny, to continue celebrating her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Methuen Senior Center located at 77 Lowell Street, Methuen, MA 01844, or Bridging the Horizon located at 174 Porcupine Circle, Salem, NH 03079, a group for enriching the lives of people with different abilities. This organization was near and dear to her heart.