Remembering Our Founder, Marie Francis Irish

Marie Francis Irish, along with her husband, Ernie Francis, established Baptist Children's Home in the 1950's. The Children's Home was born our of a dream that they shared. Marie lost both her parents as a young child. While growing up in a children's home, God gave her a desire to start a children's home of her own some day.

October 4, 2015, Marie Francis Irish went home to be with the Lord. We are so grateful for her life spent in service to her own family and to countless children that have been helped through the Baptist Children's Home. Her legacy continues today as we are currently caring for more then 800 children in the United States, India, Liberia, Nepal, and Myanmar.

We thank God for the gift He gave us in Marie Francis Irish.

MARIE FRANCIS IRISH VALPARAISO, IN Marie Francis Irish, 91 of Valparaiso, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2015. She was born November 11, 1923 in Harrisburg, IL to Allan and Josie (Day) Hale. On February 20, 1942, she married Ernest Francis and later married James Irish, both who have preceded her in death. Marie is survived by her children: William Allen (Linda) Francis of Henderson, Kentucky, Rebecca (Scott) Erwin of Valparaiso, Ernie (Amy) Francis of Whittier, NC; 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Also preceding her in death are her parents; her brothers: Elbert and James Hale; and her sister Ethel James. Marie attended Calvary Church in Valparaiso and co-founded the Baptist Children's Home in Valparaiso. Quilting was one of her favorite hobbies. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 Monroe St. in Valparaiso. Pastor Jerry Grafton will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Baptist Children's Home of Valparaiso, 354 West St., #1, Valparaiso, IN 46383. See more