Frances Frigerio

On June 13th, 1938 in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Frances Frigerio, née Mavraides, (daughter of Katherine and Leonidas) came into the world, poised to take it by storm. As a child, Fran confidently sported fashion-forward ballet slippers, much to her mother’s chagrin. As a teenager, Fran enthusiastically led her peers as a Union High School yearbook editor. As a young professional, Fran selected what would become trendy as a Hahne and Co. dress buyer. But her nascent fashionability, organizing enthusiasm and truly boundless energy found its perfect runway in her husband of 64 years and great love of her life, Richard. Richard recognized Fran’s wingspan and did everything in his power to fill it with wind. Their four children experienced a flight like few others. The rich adventures included trips to the Olympics, skiing at Elk Mountain (into her 80s!), cross country road trips, many a carefree summer in Greece or the Jersey shore, incredible parties at the beloved family home of 21 years, “Pleasantview”, in Harding, ocean fishing for fluke, and relaxing at the Farm in PA. Many friends shared in these adventures. Favorite memories include Fran’s love of making a good toast, glass of champagne in one hand, brass bell in the other, preferably while standing on a chair. The New Vernon Garden Club benefited from 30+ years of Fran’s passion for flower arranging. We will remember Fran’s pure love of people, evidenced by her friends from all walks of life. Of all these pursuits, her greatest source of pride was her family. Fran would tell anyone who would listen about her children and 10 grandchildren of whom she was so proud. A grounding force throughout Fran’s adult life sprang from her Greek Orthodox faith and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield that she helped to establish in the early 1960’s. As Richard gave her lift, Fran landed without fail in the front row pew at Holy Trinity, where she will remain in spirit and our hearts forever. Fran is predeceased by Richard, her husband of 64 years, her brother Peter Mavraides and her parents Leonidas and Kathering Mavraides. She is survived by her four devoted children, three cherished sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law that she loved as her own, and 10 grandchildren : Karen and Cliff Gilman (Cliff Jr. [Katharine], Richard, Kate, and Mary Gilman) of New Castle, NH, Stacey and Sharif Mahdavian (Anastasia, Andrew, and Alex Mahdavian) of Basking Ridge, NJ, Jill and John Turpin (Eliza and Macey Turpin) of Bedminster, NJ, Jason and Erin Frigerio (Leo Frigerio) of Peapack, NJ. Love never ends. 

A funeral for Fran Frigerio will be held on Monday, July 8th, 2024 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Gallows Hill Road in Westfield, NJ at 11 a.m. A brief viewing will be held in the Church beginning at 10:30 a.m. The burial will occur across the street at Fairview Cemetery immediately following the service, starting at 12:15 p.m. The family will host a light lunch at Turpin Real Estate in Far Hills after the burial. Feel free to cue up stories and toasts in Fran’s honor. We welcome your contributions to Fran’s memory. Arrangements by Gray Funeral Home in Westfield. Please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the P.G. Chambers School or Heartworks, organizations that were very dear to Fran.