Frances M. "Fran" (McAleer) Stitz

Frances M. “Fran” (McAleer) Stitz, age 89, of Derrs Road, Benton, passed away on Saturday September 20, 2025 at her home. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother.

Born on June 26, 1936 in Jenkintown, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. and H. Viola (Powell) McAleer. She was a 1954 graduate of Jenkintown High School and she resided in Derrs since 1986.

She was a member of Christ The King Catholic Church in Benton.

Fran was a life member of the Ft. Rickett’s VFW Post Auxiliary, the Millville American Legion Auxiliary, the Benton Women’s Club, and the Ft. McClure Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Joseph Stitz, Sr., on December 24, 1994; son, Francis Bernard Stitz, on November 6, 1964; and granddaughter, Brooke N. Stitz, on July 18, 1996.

Surviving is her son, Charles Stitz, Jr., and his wife Rhonda, of Bloomsburg; daughter, Kathleen Elizabeth, wife of Theodore Prajzner, of Doylestown; granddaughter, Kamryn Stitz, of Northumberland; two sisters, Mary Smith, of Jenkintown and Jean, wife of Frank Patterson, of Slatington; sister-in-law, Elizabeth, wife of William Cooper, of Warminster; numerous nieces and nephews.

Fran was a kind woman. She believed in the value of public service and giving back something of herself to others. She dearly loved spending time or texting with her granddaughter, Kamryn. Fran’s sense of humor and willingness to share her sense of compassion to family and friends was perhaps her greatest quality and made her special to all who knew her. She corresponded with many family and friends and loved her pets. She especially loved to celebrate life’s moments by sharing a meal and memories with family or friends.

In addition to her charity work, Fran had many interests. She was an enthusiastic genealogist who explored her family history back many centuries. During this research, she discovered an ancestor who served in the Continental Army under George Washington’s command. This discovery prompted her to join the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Fran loved music and had a deep knowledge of both Country and Irish music genres. During her trips to Ireland, she loved to visit various Irish pubs with live music. She also loved to stream and listen to both classic and modern country artists.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday September 29, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Christ The King Catholic Church, 300 Mendenhall Lane, Benton, by her pastor, Rev. Richard J. Mowery, officiating. Interment will be made in the Jackson Cemetery in Derrs. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ft. McClure Chapter of D.A.R. in care of Jean MacDermott, 1545 State Route 239, Stillwater, PA 17878.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.