Contributions to the tribute of Carolyn L Franco

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Dear Richie, Gary, Jimmy, Tommy and Kathy I just learned of the passing of your beloved mother in January. My deepest condolences on your loss. Your Mom and I never lost touch all these years. I sent her a Christmas card every year and visited her several times in her condo on Main Street where we shared sweet memories of living in Ridgefield Park. The 4th of July parades, your grandfather Knapp’s Cadillac that seemed as large a boat when he would take us for rides. When I lost my oldest sister, Renate, late in 2014, she sent me the loveliest letter about the first time she saw Renate peeking over our shared fence when moved in 1956 and lived around the corner on Euclid Ave when you lived on Poplar Street. She had written a short story about Renate back then and your Mom sent me a copy. Your Mom shared stories of growing up “Ridgefield Park”, losing her beloved brother in WWII and many other stories. I have fond memories of your mom; her short-lived love affair with a beige Mustang car, her weekly trips to the beauty parlor, being at Mass at St. Francis with her, her warm smile and most of all, the love she had for her children. She took great pride in letting me know what everyone was doing and shared her pictures. For a time when we were so very young, our lives were intertwined. Renate “baby-sat” the younger boys; Jimmy was ring bearer in my sister’s wedding in 1967. My sister’s youngest son, Gary, is named after your Gary. I spent time watching baby Kathy when your mom finally had her little girl and Kathy was the football team mascot RPHS Class of 1967. There were happy hours spent in your pool, eating cherries from your cherry tree, playing hide and seek at night in the summer, catching fire flies and more. I remember your father’s old open jeep; any kids around would pile into it and we’d go for ice cream at the Dairy Queen in Teaneck. Ellen Birdsall who lived across the street from you and Ingrid Thompson who lived next door (who we lost in 2016) were my lifelong kindergarten friends. All three of us would pile in with glee as we overflowed the jeep. The days before safety belts and booster seats! We have become the next generation, as so few of our parents are still with us. I shall always remember your Mom and will keep her in my prayers. May the memories sustain you … “for to live in hearts you leave behind is not to die”. My sister, Elke and my brother Sid, also send their condolences. All our memories of your Mom are sweet. Maria (Glander) Malinski.

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The family of Carolyn L Franco uploaded a photo

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

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Stephen Hartman posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

My deepest condolences to Carolyn and family. She was a devoted daughter, mother and grandmother. May she rest in peace. Steve and Dolores Hartman

In loving memory of

Carolyn

2017

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