Marlee F. Frahn

Marlee F. Frahn, 80, of Homer, New York, and formerly of Chatham, New Jersey, passed away on November 2, 2017. 

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Marlee was raised by her parents, Gordon and Grace Fredericks, in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. After graduating Butler High in 1955, Marlee enrolled in The Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn School of Nursing. Upon graduation the new RN married the love of her life Carl A. Frahn and they settled in Chatham to establish and raise a family. 

For Marlee, family was first, but church and community service was a very close second. Active in the Chatham United Methodist Church, she served in several capacities, including lay leader and president of the board of trustees. She co-founded the Methodist Nursery School, which is still serving Chatham today.  

An avid tennis player, Marlee was a trustee and the first woman ever elected president of the Chatham Fish & Game, a club established in 1891. Marlee took her turn as a chairman of the downtown festival, Fishawack, and was a lifelong member of the Junior League of Morris County.

Marlee’s service to the Joint Library of the Chathams, however, was outstanding. After serving as a trustee and president of the Friends of the Library, Marlee was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Library in 1981, where she served for 26 years, including 8 years as president.

After relocating to Homer, Marlee volunteered at the Food Pantry at Grace Main and could often be seen cheering on her grandchildren at local sporting events.

Marlee was always first and foremost a helpmate and best friend to her husband, Carl. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She was an encourager and cheerleader to her children and her grandchildren. 

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Carl A. Frahn, daughter, Joelle Zimmerman and husband Jamie and their family, 1st Lt Paul & Kristen Zimmerman, 1st Lt Carl & Katherine Zimmerman, and 2nd Lt Aaron & Natalee Zimmerman; son, William (Bill) & wife, Norma and their family, Corey & Tiffany Bockus, and Mark Frahn; son, Charles (Chip) & wife Kelly and their children, Chase and Spencer; her two great-granddaughters, Caitlyn Bockus and Riley Zimmerman; and a special niece, Lora Ann Vite.

A celebration of life service will be held at Grace Christian Fellowship, 1250 Fisher Ave., Cortland, NY on Saturday, November 18 at 2 p.m. with Sr. Pastor Michael Dunn and Assoc. Pastor John Hartman officiating.  Friends are invited to a reception with the family following the service.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Christian Fellowship (Food Pantry) or to the Chatham United Methodist Church, 460 Main St., Chatham, NJ 07929.

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