Frances C. Cleary

Frances Cleary, formerly of Garnerville, NY passed away on 10/28/23 at the home of her loving son Austin in Asbury Park NJ where she has lived for the last 9 years. She celebrated her 92nd birthday on 10/26/23, with all six of her children present to wish her a Happy Birthday.

Frances was born 10/26/31 (the day after the George Washington Bridge opened). She was born to Patrick J. Ferguson (Limerick Ireland) and Anna Finnerty (Providence RI), the oldest of three children. She was followed by her brothers Joseph and Robert.

She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School and Holy Child High School. She met and married Austin G. Cleary when she was 18 in 1950. She had six children: Brian (Kerry), Christine (Jay), Stephen (Maureen), Arlene (Rich), Austin and Paul (Adrienne). They lived in Manhattan and Rockaway but settled in Garnerville in 1955. She was predeceased by her parents, husband (1992) and brothers. She had 11 grandchildren (Michael, Tara Jean, Patrick, Katie, Kyle, Courtney, Colleen, Corey, Alison, Timothy and Austin) all of whom adored her. She was also blessed with 17 Great Grandchildren.

Frances was a stay-at-home mom, where her children and grandchildren were lovingly cared for and treated like royalty. The door at 27 Tulip Tree Drive was never locked…everyone was welcome. There was a constant stream of friends and family always coming through the door to a warm welcome, something to eat and a good drink. As children, our friends received a warm welcome whenever they came by. She was a beautiful woman with a huge heart. She raised her children to do well in school, respect everyone and discriminate against no one. She also made sure we understood the value of lifelong friends and to be there for them in good times and bad. Her friendships with the Grants, Matones, Hodsons, Brazees, Steczs, Degnans, Luckies and Barretts were long and deep.

She lived a great life, she was treated like a princess by her father, her husband, her children and her grandchildren. She was always the center of attention at family functions with a big smile, a great disposition and engaging conversation. She was a voracious reader and instilled a love for reading in her children.

Her health declined in the last few years, and we were lucky to have the help of Zandalyn Facey (Dolly) and Antoinette Rowe (Judy) as her caregivers. They both took great care of her and lived in Austins home as well. The family will never forget the wonderful Hospice people who helped at the end, especially nurse Kerry Brody, who would come by even in off hours to check in and make sure mom was comfortable.

The funeral service will be at St. Francis of Assisi in West Nyack NY on 11/3/23 at 11 AM. Calling hours will be 4-8 PM on 11/2/23 at Higgins Funeral Home at 321 S, Main Street, New City NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the memory of Frances Cleary at the Arts Education Center at NJPAC (https://www.njpac.org/support/make-a-gift/) or St. Judes.

A visitation for Frances will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 S Main St, New City, New York 10956. A funeral mass will occur Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St Francis of Assisi Church, 128 Parrott Rd, West Nyack, New York 10994. A burial gate of heaven cemetery will occur Friday, November 3, 2023 at 12:15 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Cleary family.