Password: XFLUL8

The Life & Legacy of Hilarine Iola Francis

Hilarine Iola Francis Hilarine Iola Francis was born to George and Hilda Arrindell on January 20th 1929 in Basseterre, St. Kitts, formerly known as the British West Indies. At the early age of 17 she felt a call to be a nurse. She made a visit to the head nurse at the Cunningham hospital in St. Kitts to inquire what steps she needed to do to become a nurse. Even though she was very small and petite in statute she was accepted into the hospital nursing school. For the next few years she lived at the Cunningham Hospital Nursing school headquarters and ultimately was promoted to work in the field as a Public Health nurse. She worked tirelessly in service to the community she served and was even sent to various islands to assist nurses that had were critical staffing needs.

Hilarine was a pioneer in her own right. During her stint as a public health nurse, she was promoted to a midwife delivering babies and making sure each baby had a strong and healthy beginning. She ultimately specialized in the Pediatric care and there are many stories of her courage and resilience that she exhibited to protect the lives of the most vulnerable population.

After several years of hospital service she moved to the next phase of her life which was a private duty nurse.

Hilarine always dreamed for greater accomplishments in life. Once she set her eyes on a goal, even though it was not within her reach, she always found a way to accomplish the task.

During my childhood, we would hear her say quite often, "Always reach for the stars, if you fall short you will land on the moon". We have all heard her say those words and the courage to dream big and her bold and visionary nature has become a part of her legacy.

As life would have it, during one of her private duty assignments she was introduced to Victor Francis who later became her husband. In 1959 with Victor at her side, they migrated to Chicago, Illinois. Hilarine soon would be able to fulfill a promise she made to her mom Hilda when she was a little girl. "Mom, someday I will move to the United States of America and will send for you".

It was in 1964 her dream became a reality when she brought her mom Hilda to the United States to get medical care. Her first nursing job when she moved to Chicago, Ill was at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital as a charge nurse. After working at St. Francis Cabrini for many years she accepted a new position at Little Company of Mary and ultimately to Roseland Hospital both in Chicago, Ill.

Hilarine had several passions. She loved purchasing homes, fixing them up, renting them to people who were not fortunate enough to purchase their own home. She loved traveling and an avid reader. She loved to share her books with anyone who showed an interest. Many of us would always leave her house with a copy of one of newest favorite books after a visit. If she didn't have a copy of the book on hand, she would be sure to mail a copy to you the next time she was going to a post office.

She didn't play chess but loved to take on a good challenge and create new inroads. Her impacts are many. She will be remembered for her generosity, her faith in Christ, her willingness to help others when they are in a crisis, her tenacity, drive and energy to tackle even the most difficult situations, her CAN DO attitude and her courage to dream BIG.

She will also be remembered for her many quotes, among which is, "Where there is a will there is a way."

Hilarine I. Francis was preceded in death by her late husband Victor A. Francis, her parents George and Hilda Arrindell, and her siblings. Ronald Arrindell, Sir Clement Arrindell, Louis Arrindell, and Lloyd Arrindell.

Hilarine is survived by her three children - Rosemary Patricia Leyritz, Victor Spencer Francis (Vanessa), Dennis Evan Francis (Lisa), her siblings, Rosalie Gumbs (Ralph), Eulalie Sutton, Doreen Arrindell, Terence Arrindell, Eustace Arrindell, Jean Reese, Michael Hendrickson, Shirley Hendrickson, Delores Hendrickson, Revere Hendrickson, Trecia Arrindell, Winston Hendrickson, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.

The number of memories and fond words about her are numerous and she will truly be missed, but never forgotten.