
In Loving Memory

Frances Vandewalle Maness
June 22, 1936 — June 12, 2026
In her 90th year, Frances Vandewalle Maness left this world with the same grace and dignity that characterized her life, passing away peacefully at home on June 12, 2026, after a period of declining health. Frances was born on June 22, 1936, to Frank and Erma Vandewalle. Her life, spanning nearly a century, was filled with love, laughter, and a dedication to family that created a legacy spanning five generations.
Frances was married to the love of her life, Marshall Maness, on August 31, 1954, in San Antonio. Together, they nurtured a family of five children, creating a home brimming with warmth and joy. Though predeceased by her beloved husband Marshall, her son Lawrence (Larry) Maness, her parents Frank and Erma, and her brother James Vandewalle, Frances’s legacy continues through her children Cynthia Egar, Patricia Burns, Marjorie (James) Istwan, and Frank (Pat) Maness.
Her grandchildren, Gretchen Wischmann, Heidi (Doug) Kramer, Jamie (Michael) Avant, Brenin Maness, and Evan (Missy) Maness, along with her great-grandchildren Kayla (Jon) Panther, Jari Candler, Trista Phillips, Lexi Kramer, Dylan Kramer, Ashlyn Kramer, and John Pafalko, and her great-great-grandchildren Zoe Panther and Johnnie Lee, are testament to the enduring love that Frances instilled in her family. She is also survived by her sisters Rachel English and Mary Masch, and her brother Gary Vandewalle.
Frances was known for her warm smile and gift of gab, never meeting a stranger she couldn't befriend. Her compassionate and generous spirit touched many lives, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. An avid gardener, Frances found joy in tending her vegetable plots and flower gardens, often sharing the fruits of her labor through her remarkable canning skills. Her kitchen was a haven of hospitality, always brimming with delicious meals and a generous heart keen on ensuring everyone had plenty to eat.
One of Frances’s proudest achievements was her family’s remarkable generational continuity, reaching five generations three times—a testament to the enduring bonds of love and family she nurtured throughout her lifetime.
A service celebrating Frances’s life will be held on June 20, 2026, at 10:00 PM at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Imperial, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, reflecting Frances’s lifelong commitment to compassion and helping others.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Beth and Cheri from AHN Hospice for their compassionate care, allowing Frances to spend her final days in peace and comfort at home.
Frances Vandewalle Maness will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the joy of knowing her. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire her family and friends for generations to come.