Mary Francine (Foley) Sahlas, 89, of Medford, formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, at Tufts Medical Center. Born in Boston, Francine was the eldest of six children of the late Daniel W. "Bill" ("Manki") Foley and Mary "Ma" (Bannon) Foley of Somerville. She grew up in Somerville, attended Saint Ann's Catholic School, and graduated from St. John's School in Cambridge. In 1957, she married Charles Sahlas Sr. of Cambridge, and together they raised their four children Somerville the center of Francine's life were her four children, whom she loved fiercely and of whom she was enormously proud. Their bond was built on love, loyalty, friendship, and laughter. She remained deeply involved in their lives, always ready to offer advice, encouragement, and support. There was little she wouldn't do for her children, and they knew they could always count on her. Her home was always open to family, friends, and the occasional stray, whether human or animal. To her children and their friends alike, she was affectionately known as “Mom,” a reflection of the warmth, love, and sense of belonging she gave to everyone she welcomed into her life. Many of those friendships endured throughout the years. But when a situation called for someone to take charge, she earned the family nickname “the General.” With her confidence, sound judgment, and natural ability to lead, she was someone family and friends instinctively turned to for guidance. A hardworking and independent woman, she held several positions throughout her life, including at Legal Sea Foods in Inman Square and Polaroid in Cambridge. She later established her own business, "Time Savers," serving business professionals. Her business afforded her the flexibility to work from home or at her clients' locations while remaining actively involved in her family's life. She took great pride in her strong work ethic and the career she built. She was truly a remarkable woman—a force of nature. Intelligent, sharp-witted, generous, and kind, she was deeply devoted to her family and a lifelong animal lover. With her unmistakable presence, impeccable style, natural beauty, and wonderful sense of humor, she possessed a warmth and charisma that drew people to her and left a lasting impression. Blessed with an extraordinary memory for names, faces, places, and personal details, she had a remarkable ability to make connections wherever she went, often turning casual encounters with restaurant staff, shopkeepers, and fellow travelers into lasting friendships.

Among her favorite traditions were annual trips to Aruba with her sisters and their families, lifelong getaways to Maine, and frequent visits to Florida. She also enjoyed shopping, good food, laughter, and cheering on her beloved Boston sports teams. In later years, Francine and her sister Isabel lived side by side as neighbors, where their individual front doors did little to separate their lives or their families. As Isabel's health declined, she devoted much of her time to caring for and supporting her, reflecting the extraordinary bond they shared throughout their lives. Francine was the beloved wife of the late Charles Sahlas Sr. and devoted mother of Mary Francis "Francin" (Sahlas) Breen, wife of the late Michael Breen; Charles "Chas" Sahlas Jr. and his wife, Tricia (Bertocchi) Sahlas; William G. "Bill" Sahlas and his wife, Julie; and Stephen Sahlas, husband of the late Janis Thompson. She was the cherished grandmother of seven grandchildren: Alexandra "Alex" Sahlas and the late Mary Frances "Franki" Sahlas; Phoebe and Jack Sahlas; and Nicholas, Samantha, and Matthew Sahlas. She was also the proud great-grandmother of two great-granddaughters, Senna and Payson. She is survived by her beloved youngest sister, Nancy (Foley) Lynch of Somerville, and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She shared a particularly special bond with her nephew Joseph, whom she loved as a son and whom her children affectionately regarded as their brother. She was predeceased by her treasured siblings, Isabel "Doll" H. Shea, Phyllis R. Foley, Daniel. Foley III, and Richard G. Foley; and her brother-in-law, Robert Scioletti Sr. She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, quick wit, and extraordinary ability to bring people together. Her devotion to family, enduring friendships, and the countless lives she touched will remain her lasting legacy. Funeral Arrangements Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Square), Somerville, from11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A prayer service will follow at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be held privately at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Francine's memory to Susan G. Komen, the BreastCancer Research Foundation (BCRF), or a charity of one's choice.