Francina Sexton

Francina Genevieve Bergen Sexton / 1925 – 2020, Twin, wife, mother, aunt, friend, volunteer, caregiver, avid reader, tennis player, Red Sox and Giants fan are only a few of the words that describe the vivacious woman we just lost.

Francina grew up in Fairlawn NJ. She attended St Joseph’s high school and then went on to Immaculata College where she and her twin Helen tapped and cheer-lead their way into the hearts of everyone who met them. Fran graduated in 1947 with a degree in English.

She met the love of her life, former wartime US Navy Sonar Man Tommy Sexton, at the Jersey shore, he 6’2”, she 4’11” – and in 1949 they married, settled in Livingston and raised two sons –Timmy and Michael.

Fran was avid tennis player and walker. She was strong in her Irish Catholic faith and taught CCD at both St Rafael and St Philomena churches in Livingston.

When she moved to Point Pleasant in 1996 with Tom to care for her Twin Helen, you could probably find her tooling around in her green Mustang, walking the beach, the boardwalk, at jazzercise or on the bench at the canal reading a good book.

Fran was a life-long volunteer – she was involved in the CareGivers of NJ and Project Link where she brought under-privileged inner-city youth to the country.

She was always helping someone – it was written in one of her yearbooks that she was “Faithful in duty to the end, a perfect sport and a loyal friend.”

Fran moved to Colonial Manor assisted living in Hackettstown in 2014, where she enjoyed her walks to the duck pond, talking about family, Immaculata, Hershey’s chocolate and having her hair brushed. She made everyone laugh with her unintended wit.

Thank you to the staff and caregivers for all the dignity, love and support, especially in

Francina’s final days. A special thank you to Lourdes, who treated Fran like her own mom, especially during Covid lockdown when picture/video updates and window visits were the only way to stay connected.

Although she was diminutive in stature, she was large as life, ahead of her time and had the heart of a champion fighter – the world was truly blessed by Francina’s presence and we Thank God for lending her to us for 95 years.

Preceded in death by her husband Thomas, son Timothy, twin Helen and sister Betty Jane.  She is survived by her son Michael, his partner Lisa Tafro, granddaughter Laura and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Raphael’s Church in Livingston on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 10:30am.  Due to the covid-19 pandemic, masks are required and occupancy limitations are in place.  Remember to practice social distancing at all times.

Sleep well momma Fran – until we meet again. We love you and will miss you.

Donations can be made in Francina's name to your favorite charity.

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