Frances Rath Branager

Apex, NC - It is with great sadness that the family of Frances Vernice (Rath) Branager, 86, announce her passing on August 15, 2026 in Cary, NC. Frances was born and raised in Gulfport, MS. She attended Gulfport High School, Perkinston Jr College, and Phoenix University. She spent her early adulthood raising her daughters while living around the world, including Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kwajalein, Florida, Panama Canal Zone, and North Carolina. Frances started her career at Union Carbide in RTP NC as an admin assistant and never looked back. She ended her career at 70 as an office manager at SLLI. Her dear friend John Wistrich stated that Fran did not have an enemy in the world, and she was the most reliable,thoughtful, and perceptive person he had ever worked with.

Frances dedicated her life to her three surviving daughters and daughter-in-law, Linda Branager of Apex, Roxie and Teresa (Terry) White of Asheville, and Cynthia Magliocca of Apex. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joseph and Thomas Magliocca and Katherine White (Travis); brother EW Rath (Sherry); sister-in-law Roxie (Branager) Shook, and cousins Albert Rath (Patricia) and Steven Putman (Rose); and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Frances was pre-deceased by her husband William T. Branager, son-in-law John A. Magliocca, sister Linda M. Hunt Hudson, brothers-in-law Thomas Shook and Charlie Hudson, and parents Doris L. and Elmore W. Rath.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the friends and family and nurses, aides, and doctors on the first floor at Wake Med Cary for their kind and compassionate care during her final days .

Apex Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorial services are private.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul or the Wake County SPCA.

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