Obituary of Frances Van Wagner

Loving mother & grandmother Frances Judith Van Wagner nee Clemente of Upper Saddle River, formerly Pompton Lakes, passed away at Valley Hospital on August 18, 2022.

Fran was born on January 24, 1943 in Newark, NJ to Margaret S. and Francesco N. Clemente.  She was raised in Lyndhurst amongst a close extended family where they all enjoyed many happy times together.  She was a graduate of Saint Mary’s High School in Rutherford where she made many lifelong friends.  After high school, Fran began a long career as an administrative assistant and always prided herself in being a hardworking and dedicated employee.  She often made friends with her coworkers and kept in touch with many of them throughout the years.

She raised her family in Pompton Lakes where she had fond memories of neighborhood barbecues, parties and going out to different to restaurants with her loved ones.   She was a devoted parishioner of Saint Mary’s Church.  Amongst her pleasures in life were hosting gatherings for family and friends, preparing home-cooked meals, and decorating her home for every holiday.  She very much enjoyed outings to the Jersey shore, fresh seafood (especially crabs,) and a nice glass of wine.  Jaunts to New York City and traveling to new destinations, near or far, also added to her life’s enjoyment.

A doting grandmother, Fran could always be seen beaming at her grandchildren’s games, recitals, performances, and activities (often with a card, flowers, or a present in hand for a job well done!)

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her infant daughter Susan, former husband Robert, and sister Yvonne.  She is survived by her devoted daughter Beth Clover and her husband Ted, grandchildren John, Jenna and Juliana, nieces Renee McCaffrey & Rhoni Tonnesson, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Funeral services were private.