Mary Frances Tobias

Predeceased by her beloved husband, William Tobias, whom she dearly missed, Fran was the devoted mother of Patrick Dunican (Anne), John Dunican (Kathleen), Mary Fran Dunican-Ullmann, and stepmother of William Tobias, Clare Ditrio (Nicholas), and Colin Tobias. She was also predeceased by her cherished sister Margaret Thomas and her dear brothers Rev. Eugene Mangan, James “Joey” Mangan, Dermot Mangan, and Gerald Mangan.

Fran was the loving grandmother of Stephanie Sosangelis (Anthony Gizzie), Caitlin Latko (Justin), Brian Dunican (Elizabeth), Constantine “CJ” Sosangelis (Laura Driscoll), Michael Dunican, Emily Frey (Anthony), Adam Ullmann, Jacob Ullmann (Talon Boice-Ullmann), Lily Ditrio, and Sarah Ditrio. She was also the proud great-grandmother of six beautiful great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She will be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Born in the Bronx, New York City, Fran was the youngest daughter of Patrick Mangan and Mary (née Doyle). Raised in a devout Irish Catholic family, Fran’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. A lifelong, devout member of the Catholic Church, she was actively involved in her parish and a dedicated member of the Ladies’ Rosary Society. Her unwavering faith guided her through life’s joys and challenges, and she found great solace in her devotion to the Rosary.

Fran lived in the Shore area and River Edge, New Jersey, and worked for many years as an Executive Assistant at MasterCard in New York City. She was a graceful and hardworking woman who balanced her professional success with her deep commitment to family and community.

An artistic soul, Fran had a passion for painting, arts and crafts, and especially flower arranging, through which she expressed her creativity and love of beauty. She was an avid gardener who found peace and fulfillment in nurturing her plants and creating vibrant, blooming spaces. Fran loved traveling, reading, and staying connected with her loved ones. She cherished walks on the beach with her late husband and grandchildren, a cup of tea always at her side, and was famously known for never turning down a scoop of ice cream.

Fran’s family and friends will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. A Mass celebrating Mary Frances’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 445 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ. Interment will follow at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, in the St. Peter’s section.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at Parkinson.org, honoring Fran’s life and legacy.

Fran’s kindness, faith, and love will be remembered forever by all who were blessed to know her.