Frances Marie Van Zanten

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Danbury High School

Frances Van Zanten Obituary

Frances Marie Van Zanten Frances Marie Van Zanten, age 55, of Brook-field, beloved wife of Charles C. Van Zanten, passed away peacefully at Danbury Hospital, Friday, September 26, 2008, after a courageous 16 year battle with cancer. Frances was born in Danbury, May 2, 1953, daughter of Dominic and Clementina (Morlando) Magliaro. She was a graduate of St. Peter School and Danbury High School and received Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Education at Western Connecticut State University. Frances was very active in the community. She was a teacher at St. Rose School for 15 years and previously taught at St. Peter School. She was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She loved to read and was active in local book clubs. Her passion was ballroom dancing where she and her husband competed all over the country and received many awards. She performed annually in one of the lead parts of the Danbury Music Center Nutcracker production. Frances was a renaissance woman who loved to travel and learn about the arts and culture. She enthusiastically studied the French language, loved photography, maintained a unique collection of vintage dolls and enjoyed scrapbooking with her friends and family. Frances was a woman of beauty, elegance, and grace with a flair for style and fashion. She had a beautiful smile that could light up a room or the entire stage. She developed a "Cotillion Club" where she taught children dance and etiquette in both Newtown and Brookfield. Besides her husband of 34 years and her parents, she is survived by her loving son, Christopher T. Van Zanten of New York City; two brothers, Antonio Magliaro of Bethany and Gerard Magliaro of Brookfield; a sister, Marie Jowdy of Newtown; along with five nieces and four nephews. She is predeceased by Dominic Magliaro, Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. Friends may call at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Frances Van Zanten Scholarship Fund c/o St. Rose School, 40 Church Hill Rd., Newtown, CT.

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Published by The News-Times on Sep. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Van Zanten

10 Entries

Connie Hope (Hirscher)

October 5, 2008

This morning at Saint Peter's Church, when the priest read a list of the deceased to pray for, I heard a name I had thought of often over the past 20+ years. Mrs. Van Zanten was a very special person in my life. She was and will always be to me "that teacher" . The one who not only taught me, but inspired me, believed in me, and made me feel truely special, at a time when I desperately needed it. Words can not express how sad I am to know that I will not have the chance to thank her for all she gave me. I thank God for blessing me with her as a teacher. I went on to follow in her footsteps. In my years teaching and as a mom, I hope that I have made her proud. She will never be forgotten.

Giuseppe

October 1, 2008

I feel extremely sorry for the loss of my cousin Frances. I send my sincere condolences to Charles, Christopher and all the family.

Evelynne (Stone) Adams

September 30, 2008

I was fortunate enough to attend Saint Peters school for 8 years with Frances. She was a wonderful schoolmate--kind and generous to all of us. It was fun to learn she was destined to teach in that same school years later! My sympathies to all of you who loved her.

Debbie Woodworth

September 30, 2008

Marie, I am so sorry about Frannie, please accept my condolences

Debbie Woodworth

Mary Plunske

September 29, 2008

Mr. Van Zanten and family, My sincere condolences on the loss of such a special lady! Praying God's deep love comforts you during such a difficult time.

Elaine Lagarto

September 28, 2008

It is with great sadness that I pay tribute to a sweet, loving, friend of 40 years. Fran's smile could light up the darkest days. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Her sincerity and warmth were never ending. I was proud and fortunate to be able to call her friend. I will never forget how we took all of our UG college courses together and how our professors saw us as the dynamic duo. Those who did not know Fran missed out on one of God's most special gifts to this world. Rest in peace my dear friend. You may be gone from this world but you will never be forgotten.
Love, Elaine

Kara P

September 27, 2008

Mrs. Van Zanten was my teacher in 1985 at St. Peter's. She was a classy woman who will be missed. I am so sorry.

Carolyn

September 27, 2008

Mrs. Van Zanten taught my son and daughter at ST. Peter School. She was a great teacher.

Jackie F

September 27, 2008

Thank you Mrs. Van Zanten for all the wonderful memories. Also, thank you for the wonderful person you helped me become. It's funny that yesturday morning I was actually thinking about the movie Chocolat and how you LOVED that movie when I was in your class. You will be missed by many. Thank you for teaching me that we really must live life to its fullest. Much love.

Kieran Minor

September 27, 2008

Dear Mr. Van Zanten and Family,
I am extremely sorry for your loss. Mrs. Van Zanten was a pleasure on stage in the Nutcracker; I wouldn't have had anyone else as my mother when I played Fritz. The Nutcracker Ballet will never be the same again.
Kieran Minor (Fritz)

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