Obituary of Sarah Frances Wagner

Sarah Frances Wagner, age 93, of Saddle River, NJ died Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Bridgeway Care Center in Hillsborough, NJ.

Born in Rocky Mount, NC, Frances was the daughter of the late William and Sarah Bone and the youngest of eight.  She was predeceased by her five brothers and two sisters.

During World War II while working at a naval post, she fell in love with a young officer, James William Wagner of Chatham, NJ, and this was the beginning of a fifty-nine year union of North and South.  

During their marriage, Fran was a member of the Old Stone Church and the Ridgewood Presbyterian Church.  She loved creating beautiful gardens, playing bridge, baking from scratch and especially pecan pie.  Fran and Jim also enjoyed their second home at the shore in Lavallette. They were members of the Ridgewood Country Club where Fran golfed and played paddle ball.

After Jim’s retirement, Fran and Jim became “snowbirds” traveling between their homes in Spring Lake and Glen Lakes, Florida respectively and NJ until Fran lost the special love of her life in 2005.  At this point, Fran moved to Flemington to be near family.

She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Robert, and is survived by her daughter, Diane Clapp of Flemington, NJ as well as her daughter, Patricia Stephen and husband, Jeff of Canton, GA, and her son, James of Anchorage, AK.  Frances was fortunate enough to have five grandsons.  They are Matt Stephen of Atlanta, Chris Clapp and his wife, Susan, of Chicago, Graham Stephen and his wife, Katie, of Los Angeles, David Clapp and his wife, Heather, of Lambertville, and Alex Stephen of Atlanta.   She is also survived by three sweet great-grandchildren; Arya Stephen, Henry Clapp and his sister, Sarah Clapp.

Ever a fighter, Fran had a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s but now rests in peace.

Funeral arrangements are private and have been entrusted to the Kearns Funeral Home in Whitehouse.