Fran Stember

Fran Stember (née Cutler) passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 77. 

Fran is survived by her husband, Jonathan Stember, of 48 years; her daughter Joy Stember and son-in-law Thomas Connolly; her grandson Lucas; her sister, Michele Pugh; nieces, Ashley Karlin and Maggie Karlin- Campbell; and her beloved dogs, Mickey and Minnie.

Fran grew up in Northeast Philadelphia. Her mother, Lillian, was a homemaker, and her father was a pharmacist who owned Cutler Brother's Pharmacy with his brother, Max Cutler, in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Fran attended Northeast High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Temple University.

Teaching was not just Fran’s profession—it was her passion and life’s work. She taught French and Spanish at Maple Shade High School in Maple Shade, New Jersey, for over 41 years, educating generations of students, including many families over multiple generations. Her students truly lit up her life, and she took great pride in helping young people grow, learn, and feel seen.

After retiring from teaching, Fran found a new way to share her love of learning and creativity by becoming a docent at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. She loved art almost as much as she loved teaching, and guiding others through the collection allowed her to continue educating, inspiring curiosity, and connecting with people.

Fran was dedicated, passionate, funny, and wonderfully quirky. She had a deep love for art and was an avid collector of 1950s memorabilia. Her home was often described as a 1950s museum, lovingly and meticulously curated by Fran and her husband to showcase cool, unusual, and meaningful pieces. Collecting was a shared joy and a creative expression of their life together.

Fran also had an enormous love for dogs. She and her husband collected dogs much like they collected their memorabilia—always making room for another, sometimes having four at a time. They especially loved small breeds such as Yorkies and Shih Tzus, and later in life opened their home to senior dogs in need of a loving place to land. Her dogs were family, and they brought her constant comfort and joy.

Fran was immensely proud of her daughter Joy and the successful metalsmith she became, always encouraging creativity, independence, and passion. Above all, she adored her grandson Lucas, who brought her endless joy and light. Being his grandmother was one of her greatest happinesses, and her love for him was boundless.

Fran will be remembered for her devotion to education, her love of art, her sense of humor, and the deep love she had for her family, her students, and her dogs. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, both inside and outside the classroom.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Service Thursday, January 22 at 11:30 AM, Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Suburban North, 310 2nd Street Pike, Southampton PA 18966. Interment Mt. Sharon Cemetery (Sec. K). Contributions in her memory may be made the ASPCA, www.aspca.org.