Obituary of Frances Mary McCrink

Frances McCrink was born on February 14, 1927, in Orange, New Jersey, to Margaret and John Strout. Raised in West Orange, she spent much of her youth on Tory Corner. Though West Orange was always her hometown, Frances cherished the summers and special moments spent with her grandparents in Maine, along with her dear sisters, Barbara and Peggy. For Frances, Poland Spring, Maine, was where her heart truly belonged.

After high school, Frances worked for “The Pru” before marrying William Byrnes of West Orange. The couple moved to California, where Bill was studying and teaching at the University of California, Berkeley. Together, they bought a charming home in Oakland and welcomed their beautiful daughter, Anne Marie, into their lives. Following Bill’s sudden and untimely death, Frances remained in California for a few years, working for Colgate. During this time, she forged many lasting friendships that she kept throughout her life. While she had many admirers after Bill’s passing, she found no interest in them.

Frances later met and married James McCrink, a  West Orange Fireman (retired Fire Captain). Together, they raised four children: Anne Marie, Eileen, Tommy, and Jennifer. Frances was a devoted wife to James, and some of her happiest memories were the trips she took with her brothers and sisters-in-law—Eddie and Dottie, Joe and Clare, Alice and John, May and Jimmy, Frank and Pat, and Eileen—as well as the many family gatherings they shared over the years.

Family was the center of Frances's life, and her faith was paramount. She was a deeply religious woman who placed God at the forefront of everything. She was also an active member of several clubs and organizations, including the Women of Irish Heritage, Rosary, Card Club, and Line Dancing. Throughout her career at Sandoz and her time at the Montclair Golf Club, Frances made lifelong friends. She also cherished the camaraderie of her neighborhood friends and enjoyed many get-togethers with them.

Frances is survived by her children: Eileen McCrink-Caporizzo and her companion Rick Pescatore of West Orange, Thomas and his wife Mary of Blairstown, Jennifer and her husband Tony of Wayne, plus many loving nieces and nephews.  She was the proud grandmother of Edward, Shawn, Tara, Brett, Michaela, Carly, Emma, Nicholas, and Ryan, and the doting great-grandmother of Justin, Isabella, Lily, Henry and Vincent. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and John Strout; her husbands, William Byrnes and James McCrink; her daughter, Anne Marie Misplay; her sisters, Barbara and Peggy; and her cousins, Tommy and Judy.

In her final months, Frances longed to be reunited with her beloved family—especially her mother and grandparents—and dreamt of visiting Ireland again. We find comfort in knowing she is now in their embrace. May God rest her beautiful soul.

Visiting for Frances will be held on Sunday January 12, 2025 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday January 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Lake, 22 Lakeside Ave. in Verona. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.