Carlene H. (Pulkkinen) St. Francis, 69, of Worcester, died in the comfort of family and friends Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the UMass-Memorial Medical Center, after a long illness.

She leaves her husband of 50 years, Lawrence J. St. Francis; seven children, Dean W. St. Francis of Worcester, Michael J. St. Francis and his companion Wanda Davaz of Worcester, Melissa A. Dacri and her husband Michael of Leicester, Jonathan J. St. Francis and his wife Celeste of Sneades Ferry, N.C., Marie Otano and her husband Ray of Spencer, Ronald St. Francis Jr. and his companion Emily of Winchester, N.H. and Michael Butler and his wife Ashley of Keene, N.H.; grandchildren Audrey St. Francis, Michelle Dacri, Isabella, Brittaney and Ryan St. Francis, and Chrystal, Matthew and Caitlynn Campbell; a brother, Sulo Pulkkinen and his wife Christine of Thompson, Ct., a sister, Donna Card of Norway, Maine; an aunt, Miriam Pecevich of Shrewsbury, her godmother Senja Grover of Lewiston, Maine; a goddaughter Jody Simonian of Auburn, and several nieces and nephews.

Carlene’s daughter Michelle A. St. Francis died in 1967 and her brother Paul A. Pulkkinen died in 2005.

Carlene was born in Norway, Maine, daughter of the late Carl and Helen L. (Nivala) Pulkkinen. She moved to Worcester as a youngster and graduated from Commerce High School.

She was a sterilization technician in the anesthesiology dept. at Worcester City Hospital for many years. She later worked at UMass-Memorial Medical Center.

Carlene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Carlene enjoyed her many visits from Pastor Susan K. Nachtigal.

Carlene had an enormous heart and welcomed everyone into her life and her home. Her gracious hospitality gave comfort and support to a large extended family. She loved growing up on a farm in Maine as well as enjoying sunsets on the beaches of Florida. She also devoted a great deal of time, energy and resources to support the battle against breast cancer. Her smiles and kind words touched the hearts of all she came to know and will be sadly missed.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carlene’s memory may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.