Frances Gaertner, 88, of Perrineville, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025.

Born on February 22, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, Frances was the daughter of Vincenzo and Mary Mugno. She was raised in Belleville, NJ, where she spent her childhood and early years. After graduating high school, Frances began working for Fireman’s Fund in Newark, NJ—an opportunity that would change her life. It was there that she met the love of her life, John Gaertner, and the two were married on October 27, 1956.

Fran and John made their first home in Irvington, NJ, before settling in Edison, where they raised their two sons, Jeffery and John. In their later years, they retired to the quiet comfort of Perrineville, where Fran enjoyed a peaceful life surrounded by family and the memories they built together.

Although Frances did not pursue a career outside the home, she dedicated herself fully to her family. She was a loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt—always present, always supportive, and unfailingly generous with her love.

Frances is predeceased by her beloved husband, John, and her son Jeffery. She is survived by her son John and his wife Francine; her cherished grandchildren, John, Nicholas, and Nicholas’s wife Kayla; and her sister, Patricia Merz, along with Patricia’s family. She will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew and loved her.

At the request of the family, services will be private.
Donations in Frances’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.Support Kidney Patients – American Kidney Fund | American Kidney Fund