Shirley Jean LaFrancis age 76 of Townsend, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on May 21, 1946, in Newark, DE to the late Raymond Paul Brown, and Linda Mae (Carter) Brown.

Shirley was an amazing person who enjoyed spending time watching hummingbirds, and her favorite television show The Incredible Dr Pol. She loved her coffee and was the family coffee connoisseur. Shirley adored animals and loved and devoted herself to her dachshund, Buddy. Shirley’s greatest pleasure was spending time with the family, especially during the holidays. She really came “alive” when she was with her family.

Shirley is survived by her loving partner of 31 years, Wanda Scrafford; daughters: Lisa L. LaFrancis-Althoff, and Sherry LaFrancis (fiancé Ricardo Waters); sons: David LaFrancis, Jr. (Mary Elizabeth), Glen Scrafford (Mary Toner); grandchildren: Victoria Althoff, Andrew Althoff, Nicholas Althoff, Lee Brown, Hailee LaFrancis, Max LaFrancis, Ronan LaFrancis, Elianna LaFrancis, Elizabeth Toner, and Chloe Toner; sister, Ruth Hurst; brothers: Jim Brown, and Raymond Brown, Jr.; nieces and adopted daughters: Nancy and Evie.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and sisters.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2023, at R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle DE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the “American Cancer Society” in care of R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.