Françoise Jeannine Gross

Born in France and raised with a deep love for her homeland, Françoise remained a proud Francophile throughout her life. A woman of extraordinary intellect, warmth, and generosity, she touched countless lives with her kindness, grace, and boundless love for family and friends.

An exceptional cook who delighted in feeding those she loved, Françoise created a home filled with laughter, delicious meals, and open doors. She found joy in the simple pleasures: long walks in the woods through every season, tending her garden and plants, playing fierce games of Scrabble and cards, solving crossword puzzles, reading, and expressing her creativity through drawing, watercolor, and painting.

Brilliant from a young age, Françoise skipped two grades in school and earned her International Baccalaureate in Paris with honors in English, being recognized as the most outstanding student in the city of Paris.

Together with her husband, she co-owned and operated a successful business in Long Island City, New York, where her strength, work ethic, and caring nature shone brightly.

Above all, Françoise was defined by her selflessness. She always placed others before herself, making everyone feel welcomed, cherished, and deeply loved. Her greatest joy was gathering with family and friends to celebrate life’s milestones, big and small. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Françoise was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert B. Gross. She is survived by her large and loving blended family:

Her three sons: Alexis Petroff, Anton Gross, and Kristof Gross Her four stepchildren: Pamela Gross, Gail Gross, Robert Gross, and Nina Gross.

Her grandchildren: Kendall Gross, Brady Gross, and Lily Gross. Her seven step-grandchildren: Teri Bouchard, Toni Sulmers, DeeDee Sulmers, Justin Gross, Ahanu Banerjee, Ryan Gross, Mabi Banerjee and Anna Rose Cohen.

Her four step-great-grandchildren: Biden Bouchard, Brighton Bouchard, Sunny Khan, and Nuriyah Khan.

Her lifelong best friend: Nicole Rousseau.

Her younger sister: Gisele Bourbon Dejesus.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 3:30 PM at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home 177 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to The Suffern Free Library, an institution close to Françoise’s heart or simply performing acts of kindness in her memory; she would have liked that best.

She will be forever missed and loved.