Frances Marie (Stewart) Reppert

AVOCA – Frances Marie (Stewart) Reppert passed away peacefully at the Fred and Harriet Taylor Health Center on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Frances was born in Addison, New York, on April 11, 1934, to Raymond Stewart and Blanche (Chase) Stewart. She married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Reppert, on June 27, 1952. They had a loving marriage of 73 years, always supporting each other, and close by the other’s side until Dan’s passing in December 2025. Together they raised three children.

Fran was a stay-at-home mom for many years, until she started her 25-year career at Avoca Central School as a teacher’s aide in the Reading Room, and as a private tutor. Her patient, encouraging demeanor helped many struggling readers find the path to reading success.

She also had a special skill that earned the praise of the staff at Avoca, and that was her fudge-making. She would bring delicious chocolate and peanut butter fudge to work with her so often that upon her retirement, the faculty and her friends made her a quilt titled “Ode to Fran’s Fudge”. It hung in the Avoca Bank for many years.

Throughout her life, Fran was an active member of the Methodist Church. She met her future husband at the church youth group, was a minister’s wife for a period of time, and sang soprano in the Avoca and United Centenary Methodist Church in Bath for many years. She was a member of numerous committees at church. Using her sewing skills, she was a volunteer on the Threads of Love committee that made quilts and throws for people suffering a loss or illness. An avid gardener, she especially enjoyed beautifying the flowers and landscaping around the church walkways.

Fran’s family meant everything to her. She loved her brothers and sister, and being part of the very large Reppert family into which she married. She was a much-beloved aunt on both sides of her family, particularly known for her ability to listen without judging. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, with one calling her the “quintessential grandmother”, always ready with a hug, a snack, a drive, or a fun project.

Frances is survived by her children Cathleen Haunfelner (Douglas Watters), Cynthia Cobb-Burke (Christopher Burke), and Graden (Pamela) Reppert, grandchildren Gregory (Alexandria) Cobb, Lauren Cobb, Steven (Nicole) Haunfelner, Frances (Nicolas) Firman, Garrett Reppert (Kristen Badeau), Austin Reppert (Karla Benware), and Evan (Ashley) Reppert, great-grandchildren Eloise, Caroline and Maeve Cobb, Haley and Sophia Haunfelner, Quinn and Owen Firman, Dawsyn and Madilyn Reppert, and Mayson Reppert, along with many nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law Judy Aho.

Frances was predeceased by her parents and husband, brothers Stanley and Elwin Stewart, sister-in-law Beulah Stewart, sister MaryLou Hanrahan, and brother-in-law Robert Hanrahan, son-in-law Jeffrey Cobb, along with many Reppert in-laws.

Calling hours will be held at the United Centenary Methodist Church in Bath, NY on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 11:00 am; with a funeral service at 12:00 pm. Friends and family are invited for light refreshments following the funeral.

A private family burial will be at 2:30 at the Addison Rural Cemetery.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Avoca, is honored to assist Fran’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Fran are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.