Frances Cecilia Alfano

Frances Cecilia Alfano, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Inspira Hospital, NJ Health Hospice & Palliative Care, Vineland. She was born in Newark, NJ, lived in Lyndhurst for 27 years, retired to Toms River and was a resident of Manahawkin, NJ since 2008. Frances anticipated mild winters and would journey to Jensen Beach, Florida, where she enjoyed her winter home.

Frances, also known as Ceil or Ceili, was a devoted mother, a den mother for Cub Scouts, a cafeteria volunteer, and a class mother at St. Michael’s School, in addition to being a homemaker. She had a passion for sewing, creating Halloween costumes, and doll clothes for her daughters' Barbies. Her collection of carousel horses was complemented by her research into various ornate, historical carousels across the nation. For those expecting a baby, she would crochet a blanket as a gift. Ceil enjoyed painting plaster crafts and created numerous decorations for holidays and her home, including an elaborate nativity scene displayed during Christmas. Renowned for her baking and cooking skills, she was particularly famous for her exquisite anisette knots, double crumb cake, and her macaroni Sunday gravy.

She is predeceased by her husband, John J. Alfano Sr., her dear sister Linda Osterman, and her brother Ronald D’Amore. She is survived by her beloved children: John Joseph Alfano, Jr. and his wife Mariela, Natale Alfano and his spouse Michele, daughter Michele Halliwell, and Francine Alfano-DeCasien along with her husband David. She was a cherished sister to Frank D’Amore, David D’Amore, and Bruce D’Amore. Affectionately referred to as 'Gram' by John Alfano III, Marissa Partridge, Gary Halliwell, Christopher Halliwell, and Alexandra Alfano, and as 'Gigi' by Adriana Alfano, Alessandra Alfano, and Aria Alfano. She was also a treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews. Her remarkable presence and significant influence will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Frances' memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org

Visiting hours will be Monday, May 5, 2025, from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm and Tuesday, May 6 from 9:30am to 10:30am at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 6th, 11:00am, at St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin, NJ. Cremation will be private.