Frances S. West, 98, of West Long Branch, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers.

Born in Long Branch, NJ Fran was a graduate of Long Branch High School, Class of 1944. After graduation, she began a long and dedicated career with the U.S. Government at Fort Monmouth, where she worked for over 40 years. She served alongside U.S. Army generals and engineers and was well known for her efficiency, competence, and professionalism. In 1989 she was awarded the Electronics Technology and Devices Laboratory Secretary of the Year. Fran was a pioneer, respected by her colleagues and admired for her dedication, at a time when few women worked full-time in such roles.

Fran was well-known for her elegant sense of style and love of fashion and shopping. She took great pride in her home and gardens and was best known for her family Sunday dinners, especially her meatballs and homemade sauce. A lifelong avid knitter, she made countless blankets and hats for babies and always gave generously of her talents and her time. She enjoyed the beauty of flowers with a special fondness for her backyard bouquets of hydrangeas and loved her daily lunches with family at The Hungry Hobo. Her favorite pastime was relaxing at the beach, and she spent many summer days at beaches in Long Branch, Allenhurst, Avon-by-the-Sea, and most recently Chapel Beach Club in Sea Bright.  Known as the matriarch of her family, Fran valued family above all. She was the glue that kept the family together, and her strength and resilience were an inspiration to everyone and provided a strong foundation for every generation of her large, loving and close-knit family.

Fran was predeceased by her beloved husband, T. Richard West; her parents, Vincenzo and Angela Scialfa (née D’Anna); her sister, Lucy Buono; and her brother, Joseph Scialfa.

Surviving are her daughters, Catherine and her husband John C. Pierce; Susan West; and Barbara and her husband Scott Hindman; her sister, Minnie Calcaterra; her grandchildren, Nicole and her husband Brian Howell; Marc and his wife Stacy Hindman, and John R. Pierce; her great-grandchildren, Brian and Emily Howell, Hayden and Austin Hindman, and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Her family is especially grateful for the love and compassion of her devoted caregivers, Addie, Franny, Maria, and Susana, and the staff of VNA of Central Jersey Home Care and Hospice.

Visitation Tuesday, August 5, 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch.  Funeral service Wednesday, August 6, 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial to follow in Woodbine Cemetery, Oceanport.