Frances Mangieri of New Rochelle, New York, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. She was 96 years old.

Born in New Jersey to John and Barbara Parlante, Frances was the oldest of three children. She was raised in the Bronx and attended Walton High School, where she was accepted into their Rapids Program, graduating in three years at the age of 16. During high school and after graduation, Frances worked in the family business, Cortland Bootjack, as a bookkeeper.

When she was fourteen, Frances met the love of her life, Frank Mangieri. While still teenagers, they wed at Our Lady of Pity Church in the Bronx. Frank would soon leave to serve in WWII, while Frances cared for their infant son. When Frank returned home after the war, the couple had two more children, moved to the Bronx and later lived in New Rochelle.

Frances had many varied hobbies and interests. She was a world traveler, loved opera and the ballet, and enjoyed attending Broadway shows. She was an avid reader and liked to cook classic Italian meals. She never lost her thirst for knowledge, and as a senior citizen, attended many classes at the College of New Rochelle. Throughout her life, she made friends with people from all age categories. She attended Our lady of Perpetual Help Church in Pelham Manor.

Frances will be remembered as being an extremely independent woman who was quick-witted, intelligent and fair-minded. She was full of wisdom and offered wonderful advice when asked. She was selfless, very loving and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Frances leaves behind her two sons, Frank (Loretta) and John (Anne Marie) Mangieri, and her daughter, Janet Ludwin. Her grandchildren, Christine, Frank, Monique, Diana, Brad and Sam, are heartbroken by her loss. She will be sorely missed by her five great grandchildren, Samantha, Jessica, Danny, Lorianne and Nicholas, as well as by her many nieces and nephews. Frances was fortunate to have had a long and lovely life.

She is predeceased by her husband, Frank, and her brothers, Frank and Henry Parlante.

A celebration of Frances’ life took place Sunday, Dec. 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave. in Pelham, New York. A Funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec 3, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 575 Fowler Ave., Pelham Manor. Interment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances’ name to PBS Channel 13 Media with Impact or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit pelhamfuneral.com.