Frances “Fran” Ellen Coelho Dias

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Our mother, sister and grandmother, Frances “Fran” Ellen Coelho Dias, born on August 1,1928, passed away on February 24, 2021 at the age of 92.  She was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island and was the daughter of the late Joseph D. and Mary Ellen (Fitzgerald) Coelho.  She was preceded in death by her husband Ferdinand Dias, her son David A. Dias, and her brother Joseph D Coelho, Jr.  She will be remembered and forever in the hearts of her sister, Joan T. Crawford, her children: Michael Dias, Gerald Dias, John Dias, and Mariellen Cabral.  Fran was blessed to have eight grandchildren that adored her, Michael Dias, Keanin Daye, Anthony Dias, Jesse Dias, David A. Dias Jr., Nicholas Dias, Christopher Dias, and Megan Dias-Blais.  Fran’s seven great grandchildren have wonderful memories of time spent with their Nana.  Nisa Dias, David A. Dias III, Addison Dias, Kason Dias, Mackenzie Dias, Grace Blais and Frances Dias will help keep her memory alive for many years to come.

Fran loved the Church, and St. Martha’s became like a second home to her.  Not only was she a communicant and a member of the Rosary & Altar Society, but she also was the bookkeeper at the church for many years before she retired.  Her favorite task as a member of the Rosary and Alter Society was cleaning the church because she found great peace and guidance inside its walls.  Besides the gift of family that she so passionately loved, Fran was a strong adventurer who enjoyed traveling, gardening, sewing, knitting, and crocheting.  When she traveled to a different state or country, she always brought back a rock or shell which were used to build a rock wall fireplace in her East Providence home.  Through the many years Fran resided in this home, she was always able to name where each rock originated from.  In the later years of her life, she collected smaller rocks and shells and fondly labeled them.

By God’s grace, she blissfully spent the winters at her home in Florida and the summers here in Rhode Island.  She delightfully referred to her beach home in Tiverton as “her happy place”.  On February 5th of this year, the day she returned to Tiverton from Florida, she smiled as she looked at the water as she was so happy and at peace with the amazing life that she had shared and created with her family.  Fran always said that at the end of her life she didn’t want any fuss.  She perfected that dream when she died peacefully into the loving arms of her only daughter, Mariellen, surrounded by love and tranquility.  She will be forever missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM in St. Martha’s Church, 2595 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RI.  Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence.  Virtual viewing can be found at https://vimeo.com/event/747803  Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider contributions to the Lions Club, PO Box 633, Rehoboth, MA 02769.  Calling hours will be held on Friday from 5-7 in the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RI. The guidelines set forth by the Health Department will be observed.  Face coverings are required and only 15 people will be allowed in the funeral home at a time.

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9 entries.
Peggy Andrade, Vern and Elizabeth Valero from East Providence and Franklin, MA wrote on March 7, 2021 at 2:00 pm:
Sorry to hear about the loss of mother she was a wonderful person. Fran was a wonderful neighbor and friend. She even had our tree as a Christmas tree one year. You are in out thoughts and prays.
Betty DuLude from Seekonk, MA wrote on March 7, 2021 at 10:17 am:
My condolences to the entire Dias family. May the memories you made together ease your grief. Fly with the angels!
Beverly Willert from Beverly Hills, Florida wrote on March 6, 2021 at 12:14 pm:
My condolences to each of Frannie’s family members. She was a very special lady that I had the pleasure of sharing as a neighbor/friend. So many stories of each of you and pictures of the new babies. My thoughts and prayers to all of you that she loved so dearly.
Maureen Sweeney Nolan from East Providence wrote on March 5, 2021 at 9:12 am:
To the Dias Family, Your Mom was a gem. She was the sweetest, kindest person. I'm so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Maureen Sweeney Nolan
Steven Gianlorenzo from East Providence wrote on March 5, 2021 at 7:45 am:
To the Dias Family,So Sorry for your loss,May she RIP,God Bless
BENJAMIN CALOURO from East Providence wrote on March 4, 2021 at 3:07 pm:
Our deepest sympathy to the Dias Family for the passing of your loving Mother Fran was a loving person our prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow God Bless.
Sandra Toolin (Whelan) from Warwick wrote on March 4, 2021 at 6:58 am:
My sympathy to the Dias family. I do remember growing up her kind smile.She was a great ICON in the neighbor hood.She always kept us all in line, God Bless
Jestina Jones from Satellite Beach wrote on March 3, 2021 at 6:20 pm:
I am so heartbroken to hear of Fran’s passing. She was an extraordinary person who touched many lives. Not just directly, but indirectly, too. She raised children who inspired and touched many people with the values and insights she bestowed upon them. Her legacy will always live on through everyone who came into contact with her, her family, and the warmth she spread throughout her life. Family, you are in my prayers. With love...
Scott Cook from East Providence wrote on March 3, 2021 at 4:52 pm:
My condolences to the entire family. May all the wonderful memories you have carry you through this. With deepest sympathy.