Frances “Fran” A. Dever

DEVER

Frances “Fran” Andrea, (nee Zalewski), age 86, on June 26, 2026, of Media, PA and Ocean City, NJ.

Fran was a devoted wife and loving mother whose warm spirit touched everyone who knew her. In her later years, she found joy in painting, expressing the creativity and beauty she saw in family, friends, and the world around her. She had an especially tender place in her heart for her beloved cats — most recently the cherished Carolina and Sammy, who were lucky to be so adored.

Fran carried enormous pride in her Polish heritage, a pride that was woven into the very fabric of who she was. Born and raised in the close-knit Polish community of Manayunk, Philadelphia, she was baptized and came of age at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Parish — a place that shaped her faith and sense of belonging. Fran went on to graduate from Hallahan Catholic Girls High School in 1957.

Fran embraced life with an open heart and a strong work ethic. After high school, she threw herself into the energy of Philadelphia, working in the city she loved, including a memorable stretch at WCAU television, now NBC. It was during those years she met the love of her life, Joe Dever.

Joe and Fran married on June 15, 1965. Together they built a beautiful life together for over 57 years — one filled with close family, dear friends, winters in Key West, summers in Ocean City, and adventures around the world. Their greatest joy was the three sons they raised together — her heart and her pride.

Fran’s story was far from finished after her boys had grown — hers was a life of quiet strength and remarkable range. She returned to the workforce with characteristic determination, rising from executive assistant to marketing executive at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, now Pfizer.

She also returned to school, attending Rosemont College — because Fran always believed there was more to learn, more to give, and more to become.

Fran is predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph P. Dever, Sr., her parents, Frances (nee Misz) and Valeryan Zalewski, her sister, Dorothy Bartley, her brothers-in-law, Russ Bartley, Fred Wasilewski, Paul “Gus” Ignas and Alex Dever, and her sister-in-law Rita Ignas (nee Dever).

She is survived by her three sons, Joseph Dever, Jr. of Yardley, Jonathan Dever (wife Chrissy) of New York, and James Dever (wife Emily) of Hoboken, her six grandchildren, Jonathan Jr., Sadie, Anna, Grace, Henry and William Dever, her sister, Loretta Wasilewski, and her sister-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Dever.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation Thursday, July 30^th, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM followed by her Funeral Mass 10:30 AM ALL IN CHURCH at Nativity BVM Church, Media, PA, 30 E Franklin St, Media, PA 19063. Inurnment Private.

Contributions in Frances’ memory may be made to Providence Animal Center at: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E348887&id=3 Or located at 555 Sandy Bank Rd, Media, PA 19063.

ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME

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