Mrs. Frances Belko Merritt

Frances M. Belko Merritt (nee Pelura) beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother aged 93 years passed away peacefully at home in Gibbstown on Wednesday May 11, 2016 surrounded by her family. Frances, formerly of Bellmawr, NJ was born to the late Rose and James Pelura Sr. on February 12, 1923 in Penns Grove, NJ. She was the first waitress at her mother’s restaurant, Pelura’s Spaghetti House in Penns Grove; then at Howard Johnson’s in Bellmawr and then finally worked as a hostess at Ponzio’s in Brooklawn for many years. Early in her marriage she also lived in Florida and Texas where her late husband John J. Belko was stationed. In her free time she enjoyed meeting with her “Sewing Club” friends for over 80 years as they ate, laughed and solved the world’s problems. She is survived by her children, Rosemary Massing (predeceased by Pete Massing Sr.) of Gibbstown, NJ, her son, John J. Belko III (Mary Jane) of Warren, MI; her grandchildren, Kimberley Warren of Gibbstown, Pete Massing Jr. (Lisa) of Woolwich, NJ, Veronica Kraemer (Craig Sr.) of Clarksboro, NJ, Jake Massing (Theresa) of National Park, NJ, John Belko IV and Josiah Belko, both of Warren, MI; her great grandchildren, Christopher Massing(Jessica), Shaun Warren, Steven Warren, Zachary Warren, Allison Kraemer, Abigayle Warren, Craig Kraemer Jr., Francis Warren, Joshua Massing, Natalie Massing, Evan Massing and “Baby” Massing; her brother, Albert Pelura Sr. (Doris) of Carneys Point, NJ: her sisters, Evelyn Inouye (Edwin), and Darlene Maxwell (James), both of Carneys Point and many nieces and nephews. Frances was predeceased by her second husband, John Merritt, her brother, James Pelura Jr. and her sister, Edith Macconi(Peter). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Monday May 16, 2016 in St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Michael’s Church, Memorial Ave., Gibbstown. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Sunday evening from 7 to 9 PM and Monday morning after 9:30 AM until time of Mass in Church. Inurnment Private. Arrangements by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Contributions can be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

Mrs. Frances Belko Merritt

February 12, 1923 - May 11, 2016