Frances E. Newman, 81, of Upper Bern Township, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. She was the widow of John R. Newman, who passed away on March 26, 2009.

Born in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Mahlon E. Smith and Claire E. (Hayden) Lipari.

Frances was a 1963 graduate of Easton Area High School and later attended Reading Area Community College, where she earned a certificate in medical coding. Prior to her retirement, she had worked for JC Penney for 13 years, Ward's for four years, and McClung's Mini Mart for seven years. During retirement, she was employed as a receptionist for H&R Block for 11 years.

Frances was a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Hamburg, where she was active in the Women's Guild. She was also a former member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Roman Catholic Church, Easton.

Frances enjoyed crafting and had a special talent for making wreaths and decorative bows, including bows for baskets at the Harvest Fest at St. Mary's. She also enjoyed operating a small business on eBay and attending the Leesport Farmers Market Flea Market. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping, fishing, and fly tying. She had also raised rabbits for show. Frances will be remembered for her creativity, her many interests, and the love she shared with her family.

Surviving are her son, John J. O'Connor III, husband of Heidi, Bloomfield, Colorado; three daughters, Caroline L. (O'Connor) McDowell, wife of Terry, Lakewood, Colorado, Mary Ellen (O'Connor) Nunes, wife of Joseph, Palm Bay, Florida, and Jean Marie (O'Connor) Embardino, wife of Joseph, Easton; three stepchildren, Paula A. Newman, Patricia A. Nesmejenow, and Charles D. Newman; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Bertrand L. Lipari; and two sisters, Carol A. Lipari and Rosemary Lipari Stempo. Frances was predeceased by a daughter, Patricia A. (O'Connor) Malik, wife of Peter, Philadelphia; and a brother, David Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA. A visitation with the family will be held at the church from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Northampton Memorial Shrine, Easton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contrubitions may be sent to: St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, at the above address. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, and to share memories please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com