Frances Bray

Frances “Fran” (Rappaport) Bray passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Friday, January 16, 2026, after a battle with liver disease. Fran was warm, easy to talk to, and quick to make friends. Many people who met her stayed in her life for years.

Born on February 27, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fran was the daughter of Joseph Lewis Rappaport and Freda Safren. She grew up on Hellerman Street, by Harbison and Roosevelt Boulevard. She later made her home in Toms River, New Jersey, where she raised her family, and for the past seven years she lived in the Sea Breeze community in Forked River, New Jersey.

Fran stayed home with her boys when they were young and later returned to work as a secretarial contractor at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Lakehurst, New Jersey. After several reorganizations, she became a contractor for Eagle Systems, working as a logistician supporting V-22 aircraft.

Fran enjoyed crafts and decorating, and she took pride in opening her home to friends and family. She had a passion for craft shows, cooking and entertaining. Fran loved traveling and some of her favorite trips were to Bryce, Zion, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Alaska, New England, Ireland, Italy and United Kingdom.

She was a trusted confidant to many friends at home and at work, and she gave generously of her time to her boys and her community through Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Fran is survived by her husband of 53 years; her two sons, Matthew George Bray (Meredith Wilson) of Ellicott City, Maryland, and Kevin Andrew Bray (Katharine Ann Britton) of Garnerville, New York; her granddaughter, Emilia Ann Bray; and her older sister, Linda (Rappaport) Rosenkowitz. She is also survived by a large extended family, including many cousins, and many dear friends.

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