Frances Greaves

Frances Greaves was born to Julia and Stephen Raftery in the Bronx, NY.  Fran was predeceased by her loving brothers George (Mary) Bieber, Richard (Cathy) Bieber, James Raftery and her cherished niece Doris Bieber.

Fran is survived by her son Michael (Eileen) Greaves and granddaughter Breanne Greaves.  

Fran was a kind, generous and feisty soul who will be sorely missed by many; including her nephews George (Amy) Bieber, Billy (Andrea) Bieber, her niece Maryann Stockstill; as well as her grand nephew David (Michele) Stockstill and grand niece, Leah (Brandon) Ford; great nieces Taylor and Zoee Heitmann and great nephew Clayton Stockstill.  Fran loved the family reunions and celebrations, especially those in Maryland.  

Fran worked for “Ma Bell” which later became Verizon.  Fran initially worked as an operator, was promoted to manager and ended her 35 year career in operations.  She made many life long friendships at Verizon. 

Fran raised her son Michael in Dumont, NJ, before retiring to “Paradise” in Forked River, NJ.  Fran was very proud of her son Michael’s service in the NJ National Guard, and bragged to all about her son the Lt. Colonel.  Fran supported numerous military organizations throughout her life; Wounded Warriors, USO, and Army of Hope are a few.  Fran stood for the red, white and blue and was a patriotic American. 

The best gift her son Michael gave Fran was a granddaughter (Breanne) who she loved and adored.

Breanne describes Fran as follows:  

Fran was no ordinary grandma. Through her comforting hugs, grilled cheese sandwiches and the way she called me “Tootsie Roll” are memories that are captured deep in my heart. From Six Flags adventures to crawling under the red velvet ropes at SAKS’ Christmas displays, Grandma Fran was a “one of a kind Grandma”.

Fran represented half of the “Jameson Girls” and had many escapades with her chosen “sister” and the other half of the “Jameson Girls”, Kathy Harvey.    The “Jameson Girls” travelled extensively across the globe, and enjoyed many a story, refreshing libations, and infectious laughter wherever their adventures took them.  Her chosen “brother” Robert Kelly accompanied them on some of the excursions which often included a stop at an Irish Pub or two…

Fran was also an adopted member of the Kelly Tribe.  She enjoyed celebrating all occasions with “her tribe” and saw countless sunrises at those celebrations throughout the years, especially up on the mountain.

Fran had many good friends.   Fran embraced her Irish heritage and was thrilled to have marched in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade.  Fran was a member of the Joseph Nugget Sr. Association, a member of Moose Lodge #1907 and an active member of Elks Lodge #2518.

Fran was happy and joyous and desired the same for others.  

If you wish to pay a small salute to Fran, pour yourself a wee drop of Jameson, raise your glass and look to the heavens.  If you listen very carefully you will hear Fran saying Sláinte! 

In lieu of flowers, donations In Memory of Frances would be appreciated to either the Wounded Warrior Project or the USO; donation links can be found after the service information.

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