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BORN
1935
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Frances Wilkins Obituary
AGE: 82 • Glendora
Frances Rita Wilkins (nee Zangaro), age 82, died peacefully at home on March 6, 2017. Frances was born on January 15, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Joan Zangaro. In 1953, Frances married the love of her life, John. Together they had eight children and raised them on the corner of Maple Avenue in Glendora, NJ. She was a beloved stay-at-home mom who truly enjoyed raising her family. Frances is survived by her children, Joan Short (Daniel), twins, John and the late James, Jean Segars (Gary), Joseph, Jerome, Justin, and Judith Fonnotto (Michael). She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, her sisters, Dolores Zangaro and Phyllis Madden (George), her brothers, Frank and Albert Zangaro, and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends were everything to Frances. Her happiness truly centered on taking care of the neighbors, as well as her own family. She could be counted on in any situation, whether it was to lend a helping hand, a strong shoulder to lean on, or just a cheery smile to brighten one's day. One of her greatest pleasures was decorating her home for the holidays. Over the years, people came from many different towns to see her one-of-a-kind holiday displays. Their joy and excitement made Frances smile. There will be a viewing from 7 to 9pm Friday evening and from 10:15 to 11:15am Saturday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Mass 12noon Saturday at Holy Child Parish, St. Teresa RC Church, Runnemede. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin. Family and friends may share memories at www.GardnerFuernalHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frances Wilkins
Sponsored by Gardner Funeral Home, Runnemede.
Abilene (Abbie)
March 17, 2025
I finally found you after all of these years. You babysat me for years while my mother worked at Ruoff's in Runnemede. When I was little, I put pepper in your coffee thinking I was helping. Some of my best memories were playing with my bike in your front yard, finding a caterpillar in your back yard and letting it crawl on my arm, finding a local friend , Rayann, to play with, and you scratching my back as I laid my head down on your lap for a nap while watching The Price is Right and Hollywood Squares.
You are so kind to me and my sister. Thank you for many good memories.
April Wilkins
March 1, 2022
The month of March is now here. I can´t believe March 6 will make it six years since you parted from all of us. I know you are visiting all of us from time to time. I remember one particular time,I was eating lunch in my car at Nine West. I noticed this Dragonfly fluttering just around my car, landing on several different spots on my eclipse. Suddenly a sense of calmness came over me and you were on my mind at that moment. I was getting out of my car to go back into work, and I said Love you Grandma hope you are ok. Then this beautiful dragonfly landed onto my shoulder for a few seconds. I know it was a sign from you letting me know you were at peace. I love you always, and keep watching over my kids and I. Very soon I will be starting a new chapter in life. After 20 something years I am ready to marry the father of my children, my soulmate Brian A Jones. Hope you are with your husband and family and friends that departed before. Tell my Mom I said hi for me and Uncle Ed and Uncle Jay too. Don´t forget to say hi to Rose&Jack, Eileen,Nick,& Jane our neighbors don´t forget Vito. Love you all!!
Eric Persichetti
March 12, 2017
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tyler A. Jones
Brian Jones
March 10, 2017
We will always love you Mom-Mom GG you were the best great grandmother we ever had a chance to spend time with, you did a great Job raising your granddaughter April Wilkins the mother of my children You always made me felt welcome in your house when I came over with April and the kids to visit. Your son Jerry Wilkins Did an amazing job keeping you healthy and strong as long as he could we will miss you your love is always in our hearts
Rick Walton
March 10, 2017
Grandmom Fran Wilkins you will truly be missed you helped everyone who crossed your path a friend a realitive a neighbor even if they were a stranger you welcomed everyone in your home treated them as if they were one of your gang. You even were kind to me and you raised my sister April into the woman she is today. We love you always....
The Oglesby Family
March 9, 2017
Our condolences go out to the Wilikins family and every person Frances has touched throughout the years, she will be missed.
Hogan
March 8, 2017
May you rest in peace Mrs. Wilkins.
Hogan Family
March 8, 2017
To the entire Wilkins Family, Our sincere condolences..May you rest in peace Mrs. Wilkins. You always had a smile on your face..
Ed and Noreen O'Malley
March 8, 2017
Thank you Mrs. Wilkins in Heaven. We
raised 5 children in Glendora and brought them to see your Christmas display every year. It's been such a pleasure and now that we are empty nesters we come just the two of us. You will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace.
April Wilkins
March 8, 2017
You were my grandmother but more like a mother, thankyou for taken me in and making the woman I am today, You touched many hearts along the way and always helped your neighbors and friends
You lived a long and eventfilled life and you always welcomed anyone in your family with open arms Go ahead mom mom the Wilkins are strong Go be with pop pop John and your son Jay and all those other family and friends that left before you, You are now in Gods heaven We will miss you very much I know you will still be around us all watching over us as we continue our life and my children said they love their mom-mom GG to keep coming around and watch over all your kids,grandkids and great grandkids
Frances and April
April Wilkins
March 8, 2017
Frances was not only my grandmother she raised me after the death of my mother age 4 years old. She took the role of my mother and allowed me to particapate in many activities like Softball,Girlscouts and I went to ccd till I graduated I was in Youth group. She made me the person I am today. I love you always MOM and Gmom and for my children they love to visit their mom mom gg
Cliff and Kathy Wilkins
March 8, 2017
Aunt Fran you will deeply be missed. Our love for you will continue on. You were a wonderful Aunt and a beautiful person. Our love and respect to the family at this time of sorrow. We are here for you guys. Love, Cliff and Kathy Wilkins
JoAnn (Snapp) Martin and daughters
March 7, 2017
My heart goes out to you and in the days ahead. I will always remember Fran' s wonderful smile, lovely laugh, and generous heart. I am so very sorry for your loss and for those who knew her.
Donna Zangaro
March 7, 2017
May you find strength in your time of need. I am deeply sorry about Aunt Fran's passing.
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Mar
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Viewing
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Gardner Funeral Home, Runnemede126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, NJ 08078
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Gardner Funeral Home, Runnemede126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, NJ 08078
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