Frances Jean McDonough, 72, of Emmaus, died Nov. 11, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of R. Barry McDonough for 50 years. Born in Newark, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Armando da Silva and Carmen Duallo Braz. She lived in Plainsboro, N.J. for most of her life before moving to Emmaus in 2020.

She graduated from J.P. Stevens High School, Edison, N.J. She attended Trenton State (The College of New Jersey) where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and then earned a master’s degree from Kean University.

Her passion was teaching and working with children. She began her career at Menlo Park Terrace while living in Plainfield. She continued teaching at Millstone River and the Village School in West Windsor-Plainsboro where she retired after 38 years.

When she wasn’t in the classroom, she was spending time with her husband and three children. She stressed the importance of family and always made sure that they were her number one priority. She would attend every family gathering, sporting event, play and school celebration. For her children’s birthday each year she would make them a special cake with a character of their choice. She took on the role of grandmother proudly.

She is survived by her husband; sons, Ryan (Shana), Derek; daughter, Rachel Dawson (Ian); grandchildren: Lilly, Arden and Ridge and Avery and Mckenna Dawson.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

A memorial visitation will be held noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus.