Obituary of Frances Hartgrove

Frances Hartgove, daughter to the late Mamie and Charles Jackson, was born February 10, 1927 in New York, New York. She departed this life on April 11, 2025 at 98 years old. During her childhood, Frances was a part of the foster care system. Her longest and most cherished time was while she was fostered by James and Victoria Thompson. Frances was a part of the Thompsons’ household from age 8 until 19.

After graduating from Jamaica High School, in Queens, New York, Frances met and married William (Willie) C. Hartgrove in 1946. From their union, she had two daughters, Nancy Carol and Linda Sharon. Frances was eager to raise her children and was a devoted housewife and mother until the girls were old enough to take care of themselves. At the age of 30, Frances entered the workforce and started her career with the City of New York working first with the department of Unemployment for 10 years, and then transferred to the Worker’s Compensation Division for the City for another 20 years. As Frances recalls, she did not realize just how smart she was until the head of the Worker’s Comp division congratulated her on achieving the second highest score, city-wide on the City’s entrance exam. She remained at Worker’s Comp until her retirement at the age of 60. It was always a part of her strategic plan to start working at the age of 30 and retire at 60. She successfully fulfilled that vision.

After retirement, Frances moved to Maryland, and later to New Jersey. During her earlier days she was an avid handball opponent and bid whist player. Fran was often the life of the party. She did her best not to miss a Tuesday at the Savoy Ballroom, located at 596 Lenox Avenue, between 140th and 141st Streets in Harlem, New York City. It is here that Frances stayed abreast of all the latest dance moves.

Frances was predeceased by her husband, Willie (March 1991), and daughter Nancy Hartgrove (August 2021). She leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Linda Goldensohn and son-in-law Matthew, Pennington, NJ; grandsons, Leigh A. Hartgrove and daughter-in-law Angela, Powhatan, VA; Ty and Tracy Wade, Pennington, NJ; granddaughter, Tiana Goldensohn, Pennington NJ; nieces, Vickie Bright and Debra Bright, Virginia Beach, VA; 5 great-grandchildren, cousins, and loving friends near and far.

Frances was interned at Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton Township, NJ.  A private graveside service was held at that time.