Maria Frances Caleca (née Gherardi), 91, of Paramus, entered into eternal life on September 20, 2021. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John Edward (2007), and her sons William Caleca and James Caleca. Loving mother of John (Debra) Caleca, Joseph (Denise) Caleca, Barbara (Douglas) Bessemer, Linda (Ed) Franco and daugher-in-law June Caleca. Cherished grandmother of Erica Bessemer, Nicole (Larry) West , Michael (Angela) Caleca, Kristen (Alex) Mendelson, William Caleca, James (Brittany) Franco, Dana Caleca, Robert Caleca, Kimberly Caleca, Christopher Caleca, Jenna Franco and John Franco, and great-grandmother of, Ryan Mendelson, Madison Caleca, Ava Mendelson, James Franco, John Caleca, Mia West and Julianna Franco. Dear sister of John Jerard and Robert (Diane)Gherardi and sister-in-law of Yolanda Caleca and Joseph (Cathi) Caleca.
Known to all as Frances, she was born in 1929 in Union City, NJ to Faustina (née Bordogna) and John Gherardi. Frances took pride in her large family and her most cherished moments were when the entire family were together, especially for the holidays when she made her delicious meatballs, which when asked what the ingredients were, she always responded with the most important ingredient: “love”. She was a devoted wife and mother who always provided support and love for her family. Once she raised her children she went to work as a Bank Manager at Hudson City Savings Bank, Oradell, for 20 years until her retirement.
Visitation Thursday, September 23rd, 3-7 PM at the Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge.
Funeral Mass Friday, September 24th, 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Visitation Church, 234 North Farview Avenue, Paramus.
Frances will be laid to rest with her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hackensack.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Maria’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org.