Frances Sussman Margolis

Born in Newark, NJ 100 years ago, Fran was the only American-born daughter of her parents, who emigrated from Poland. Fran had 2 sisters, Kate Marech and Rose Pines and one brother, Abe Sussman and remained close with all of them. She lived and went to school in Newark and graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1941 at Central High School.

Fran went on to college at NYU and Rutgers and graduated from Rutgers Law School in 1953. While in Law School she met and married Harry A. Margolis and they had one daughter, Dale Ellen. Both Harry and Dale predeceased Fran. During their 50+ year marriage, Fran & Harry enjoyed travel, fine dining with friends and family, and cheering on the NY Giants as season ticketholders since 1976. Fran has a large extended family of 35+ nieces and nephews and is beloved by all of them.

Professionally, Fran practiced law for over 65 years and Harry was a Superior Court Judge, presiding in the Essex County Chancery Division until his retirement. Fran was one of the most well-respected members of the NJ bar. She was also admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court. Fran was honored and recognized for her commitment to the highest ideals of the profession, career achievement and service to the bar and her community. For the final decades of practice until her retirement at age 94, Fran was of counsel to Tompkins McGuire Wachenfeld & Barry LLC. Fran concentrated her work in commercial and bankruptcy law and was a member of many bar organizations and foundations. She was treasured by those who worked with her and was an incredible mentor to the younger lawyers in the practice.

Fran lived in West Orange for over 60 years before moving in 2018 to Arbor Terrace Mountainside. She passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2025.

Private family burial will be held for Fran.