About the Fund

Mary Gonsalves Francis was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, teacher, coach and friend. During her career, Mary taught middle school science in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara schools. She also coached girls basketball and soccer, advised the student body association, organized inspiring science school field trips, and tended her vegetable garden at Martin Murphy Middle School. In her memory, her loved ones created the Mary Francis Memorial Fund to raise needed funding for middle school science field trips.

The fund is currently managed by her daughter Linda Francis, her son Mark Francis, and her love Mike Crawford and is in its infancy. Upon her passing in 2017, the family first received donations for the Martin Murphy Middle School Garden and worked with the school to create a special garden space in Mary's honor and a beautiful mosaic bench was dedicated to Mary.

The garden was completed in January 2018 for the school to enjoy.

If you are a middle school teacher seeking funding, click here to apply.

We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.