Obituary of Frances M. Cole

Frances M. Cole, 97, of Washington, NJ passed away peacefully on hospice care on May 29, 2022 at her home. Frances was born in Allentown, PA to the late Clarence and Minerva "Litzenberger" Backenstoe. She graduated from Allentown High school class of 1942. She went on to earn a degree in finance from Troy Business College in Troy, NY. In 1947 she married LeRoy A Wickert, moved to Washington, NJ and was employed by harry Christine Insurance Agency. Frances began her banking career in 1952 with the Washington Building and Loan Association. In 1970 the local association merged with City Federal Savings Bank. Frances was named Assistant Manager, then in 1974 she was promoted to Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President, becoming the first woman at the bank to hold that position. She continued working at that capacity until her retirement in 1990. Throughout her career she enrolled in various banking and insurance courses. Attending the American Savings and Loan Institute Chapter 165 in Bethlehem, PA serving as president. Frances was a 75 year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Washington, where she served as an Elder, a Sunday school teacher, Commission of the Presbytery and a member of the Presbyterian women. She also served as the church organist. She also volunteered her time for Meals On Wheels for over 17 years. In 1958 she married Harold G. Cole. They enjoyed 55 years together, prior to his death in 2014. Frances enjoyed traveling with her late husband Harold. Together they visited all 50 states. She enjoyed playing bridge, music, reading, playing her Allen organ and traveling. The family wishes to thank Home Instead in Washington and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Newton for their caring and compassion that they provided to Frances. Frances is survived by a sister, Esther L. Schiavone and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands, Frances was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Backenstoe; sisters, Pauline Backenstoe, Dorothy Roth and Irene Roberts. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday June 6, 2022 from 10:30 – 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church Of Washington. 40 East Church St. Washington, NJ. A funeral service will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 AM at the church. Interment at Montana Mountain Cemetery in Harmony will follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Frances's name to First Presbyterian Church Of Washington, 40 East Church St, Washington, NJ 07882 OR the Washington Emergency Squad, 100 Belvidere Ave, Washington, NJ 07882 OR the Parkinson's Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an on-line condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com