Obituary of Frances Meltzer

Frances R. Meltzer (Meehan), 80, passed away on April 10, 2020. She was born on September 24, 1939 to James and Mary Meehan in Hoboken, NJ. Frances attended schools in Hoboken and lived in NJ her entire life. She attended St Mary’s School of Nursing on a scholarship and worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken prior to getting married.

Frances was married to her loving husband Harold (Happy) Meltzer for more than 55 years. Together they raised their children in Montville and Parsippany, NJ.  She is also survived by her children: Debbie Scifo & her husband Ronald, Harold Meltzer Jr., Lorraine Meltzer, Sam Meltzer, Audrey Francis & her husband Conrad, and Gina Kirchoff & her husband Rich.  She is also survived by Christopher Garibian (whom she considered as a son) and dear family friend, Joanne Gonzalez.   She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Florence Meehan, Judy Meltzer, Patsy Stevenson, Ceil and Bobby Day, Roe Meltzer and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Frances was predeceased by her parents. She was also predeceased by her beloved siblings and in-laws: brother Harold Meehan & sister-in-law Grace, her sister Nonnie O’Connor & brother-in-law John, and her brother James (Buddy) Meehan, and in-laws Elizabeth and Billy Lennon, William Meltzer, Dolores Meltzer, Lily Meltzer, Marie and Bib Simon, Evelyn and Runyon Doss and Eddie Stevenson.

Her life was devoted to her husband, children, and grandchildren and her mother MaryEllen. Her greatest joy in life, though, was her grandchildren. Alina, Ashley, Conrad, and Ronnie will miss her greatly. 

Fran was a deeply religious woman who integrated faith with life.  Her faith was lived in service and involvement with her family, parishes, and anyone less fortunate.  Frances loved to host holiday gatherings with an open door to anyone who didn’t have a place to go.  She loved children so much that after her children were raised, she spent time at the Saint Elizabeth’s Montessori School in Parsippany and their infant day care center in Jersey City.  In addition, Frances was a Eucharistic Minister, often ministering to the sick.  She spent many years volunteering at Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Soup Kitchen in Newark New Jersey.  Frances volunteered at numerous other places like her children’s schools and her parish churches.

Her life was about service and faith.  She was often involved in helping those less fortunate than her and instilled this philosophy in her children.  In this spirit, you can honor her memory by performing an Act of Kindness for someone less fortunate.  Memorial donations can be made to:

St Joseph’s Home for the Elderly 

140 Shepard Lane  

Totowa, New Jersey 07512

Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, all services are private and a memorial Mass will be scheduled for a future date where all can join and celebrate Fran’s life.