Frances M. (Bednar) O'Byrne

Frances M. "Fran" O’Byrne (nee Bednar), 83, of Wallington, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024.  Fran was born on November 16, 1940 in Paterson, NJ and raised by her German immigrant parents Christoph and Frances Bednar.  Fran and her husband Vincent moved to Wallington in 1968. 

Fran was a graduate of St. John’s Cathedral High School and Paterson State College (now William Paterson University) with a B.A. in elementary education.  After teaching fourth grade at Clifton’s School No. 2 for 7 years, Fran paused her teaching career to become a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children.  Fran returned to teaching in 1977, initially as a substitute teacher, but began teaching full-time again in 1981 at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Wallington.  Fran became assistant principal in 2000 and retired in 2003.  Fran would often say, "there was never a day when I did not want to come to school."

Fran volunteered as a CCD teacher and president of the MSH PTA and served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.  She was a member of the Rosary Confraternity, Share & Care and Right to Life Committee.  She enjoyed attending plays at the Paper Mill Playhouse and dining out with her husband Vincent.

Fran is predeceased by Vincent, her beloved husband of 57 years as well as her cherished sister, Madeline Kowalski and brother-in-law, Walter Kowalski.  Survivors include:  her 3 children, Patrick O’Byrne and his wife, Jeri, Ellen Jacobs and her husband Christopher, and Mary Oliveri and her husband Andrew; her 6 grandchildren Liam, Claire, Natalie, Nolan, Anna and Joseph; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Daniel and Barbara O’Byrne; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral service 9:00 am Friday at the Funeral Home. 10:00 am Mass at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church, 127 Paterson Avenue, Wallington, NJ 07057. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Saddle Brook. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church, 127 Paterson Avenue, Wallington, NJ 07057, www.mshchurch.org. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences on the Tribute Wall section of the obituary.

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