Mary Frances “Fran” Gavey Passes at 88

Mary Frances “Fran” Gavey, 88, of Cranford, N.J., passed peacefully into Glory at the home of her son, Brian, on November 18, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Mary Frances was born on October 5, 1928 in New Cumberland, W.Va. & moved to Roselle, N.J. at the age of 12, graduating from Abraham Clark H.S in 1947. Fran was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Cline, and was one of 8 children.
Fran worked as a teacher’s aide at Hillside Ave. Jr. High School in Cranford for several years and devoted more than 60 years of faithful service in the Cranford United Methodist Church. She served as Church Secretary, Head of the Prayer Chain & United Methodist Women Ministries,/ as well as organized the Coffee Hour for special events & after church services. Wherever there was a need, Fran would do her best to fill it.
Fran will always be remembered for the unconditional love she had for her family, close friends and anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Once you met her, your life was blessed, because Mary Frances cared & loved deeply. There was never a holiday that went by without all of her neighbors at 800 Lincoln Avenue finding a “goodie bag” tied to their doorknob along with a touching note. She kept alive the “art of letter-writing” by using beautiful stationery to keep in touch with her many relatives & friends across the country.
Fran was predeceased by her husband of 27 years, Edward Gavey (2003) & her ex-husband, Raymond R. Pizzella (2010). She is survived by her 4 children, Barbara Tretola & her husband Bruce of Manahawkin, N.J. & their 2 sons, Nancy Alexo (and her late husband Ken, 2008) of Cranford & her 5 children, Carole Pizzella of Cranford & son Brian Pizzella & his wife Barbara also of Cranford & their 3 children. She is also survived by her 2 step-daughters, Diana Gavey of Florida & Beth Andrus of Jackson, N.J., 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; her sister Margaret (Peggy) Pagnotti of Atco, N.J. & brother, Page Cline of California.
Fran’s entire family would like to give a very special measure of gratitude to all of the amazing nurses & aides at Genesis Healthcare in Westfield, Hospice nurses from Atlantic Health Care and the wonderful, loving staff at Sunrise Assisted Living, also in Westfield, N.J. The love & care that they extended to Mom will never be forgotten. We wish them many blessings!
Mom, we love you. We’ll miss your gentle spirit, your beautiful smile & your gift of encouragement, and we will carry you in our hearts until we meet again.