Francine S. Coleman

Francine S. (Fernandes) Coleman, 66, of Rutland, a long-time HIV and drug addiction activist, counselor, and advocate, passed on Monday, December 11, 2017, in the comfort of her home. Francine is survived by her loving husband, Larry Coleman; her son, Steven Fernandes and his wife Jacqueline of Webster; four grandchildren, Darryl Mitchell of Boston, Steven Fernandes of Rutland, Monique Hill of Hyde Park, and Christian Horton of Rutland; three great grandchildren, Shaunique, Amaiya, and Auday.  She is also survived by her sister, Gail Fernandes of Weymouth; her brother, Charles Horton; many nieces and nephews, including Shanita Horton and Nicole Dixon; many friends who have loved her through the years, including Sandra “Duchess” Harding.  She was pre-deceased by three brothers and three sisters, David, Manuel, Eroy, Annette, Louise, and Blanche.  Born in Boston, daughter of the late, Freeman Jones and Francesca Fernandes Horton.  Francine graduated from Girl’s High School in Boston and lived in that city for many years, before moving to the Worcester area twenty-five years ago, settling in Rutland seventeen years ago. Francine, who is from Boston originally, entered APW in 1993 as a client, but it wasn’t long before she became a volunteer.  In 1995, the organization hired her as part of their peer support team, and she remained there for many years, retiring in 2013.  She had a love for life and she made everyone she met feel good. Calling Hours for Francine will be on Saturday, December 16, in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, Worcester, from 12 Noon to 2 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the family defray the burden of final expenses, by visiting her go fund me page at https://www.gofundme.com/francine-colemans-funeral-expenses.