Frances M. Pray (Branco), age 97, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Born in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Frances was the daughter of Francisco and Johanna (Correia) Branco. She graduated from East Providence High School with the Class of 1947 and went on to build a fulfilling life rooted in family, hard work, and joyful pursuits.
Frances worked as a bookkeeper throughout her career, lending her skills to Sunnybrook Farms, Alperts Furniture, and Richard Pray Equipment. Her dedication and attention to detail were hallmarks of her professional life.
She met the love of her life at the Hollywood Ballroom while enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—ballroom and square dancing. That serendipitous meeting led to a long and loving marriage with Richard Pray Sr., with whom she shared many adventures. Together they spent winters as snowbirds in Florida, where they remained active in community activities and embraced the warmth of both climate and companionship.
A woman of many talents and interests, Frances found joy in gardening and crafting—especially knitting and crocheting. Her hands were rarely still, always creating something beautiful or nurturing something to bloom. Known for her quick wit and playful spirit, she was a beloved jokester who brought laughter into every room she entered.
Frances leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Margaret Bouchard and her husband Albert; Carol Pray Mahler and her husband Harold; Richard Pray Jr. and his wife Marie; Robert Pray Sr. and his wife Lynn; and Sandra Amaral and her husband Sylvester. She was a proud grandmother to Laura, John, Robert, Russell, Matthew, Jessica, Jennie, Ryan, Sean, and Seth; great-grandmother to 19; great-great-grandmother to 4, and aunt to several beloved nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Francisco and Johanna Branco as well as her beloved husband Richard Pray Sr., her four siblings: Angeline Botelho, Mary Santos, Frank Branco, and Alice Primrose memory she cherished throughout her life.
Frances’s vibrant spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.
Calling hours for Frances will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10AM-12PM at Hathaway Community Home for Funerals, 900 Buffinton St., Somerset with a service immediately following at 12PM. Burial to follow at Rehoboth Village Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate. To express condolences to the family or to light a candle, please visit:www.hathawayfunerals.com.
