Frances Clara McKenna

October 23, 1935 - April 14, 2017

Frances Clara McKenna (Walsh) - "Mom McKenna" , 81, passed away April 14, 2017. Born in Baltimore, MD, she was raised in Union Beach, NJ. After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Harold, she moved to Matawan and lived on Main Street for 60 years. Most recently, Frances had been living in Bushnell, Florida to live with her son and daughter-in-law and near one of her daughters. Frances was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold McKenna, and her cherished daughter, Patricia Minue. She is survived by her loving children, Mary McKenna, Angela Kirkirt and husband Kenneth and Harold McKenna and wife Cheryl. Frances is the devoted grandmother of Christopher Fineran and wife Melissa, Bobby Fineran and wife Heather, Jacob Fineran and wife Kate, Crystal Kirkirt, Tiffany Gumbs and husband Warren, Rebecca McKenna, Riley McKenna and Leigh Whitman, and cherished great-grandmother of Lilly, Fiona, Coraline, Kayla, Shawn, Mackenzie, Alexis, Abigail, Logan, Destiny, Sophia, Bella, Ajah and Maisie. She is the caring sister of Joan Paulin, John Walsh and the late Thomas, Edward and Raymond Walsh and loving sister-in law of John McKenna and wife Terry and Toni McKenna. The owner and proprietor of Fran's Florist in Matawan, Frances also loved her career as a clerk for the Monmouth County Sheriff's Department, retiring at the age of 70. She was always true to her faith and remained a dedicated parishioner of St. Clement's RC Church in Matawan. A sweet, kind and gentle woman, Frances was dedicated to her family - her family was her life! The quintessential matriarch, Frances will be most remembered for being the "town Mom." Being everyone's Mom, she took many children and teens under her protective and supportive wing, guiding each and every one with unconditional love. There was true magic in her touch and there was love in everything she did. Blessed to have her as a Mom, she will be greatly missed by all who loved her and had their lives touched by her. Family and friends may visit Wednesday, 7-9pm and Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Bedle Funeral Home, 212 Main Street, Matawan. Funeral Mass Friday, 10:00am at St. Clement's RC Church, 172 Freneau Avenue, Matawan. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Keyport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances' memory to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105