Ann Marie Frauenheim

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Ann Marie Frauenheim, a cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, entrepreneur, and beacon of our community. “Queen Ann” peacefully left us on December 16, 2023, surrounded by her adoring family.

Born in Metuchen to the late Charles “Chic” and Alice “Lollie” Nelson (nee Madigan), she was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School, class of 1959, where she was on the Color Guard. Ann Marie met the love of her life, Pierce Gerard Frauenheim at a FIJI Fraternity Social his junior year at Rutgers University. The two were married in the summer before his senior year. In 1962, the Frauenheims settled on West End Avenue in Somerville, where they raised their family of seven kids.

Ann Marie was a staple in the Somerville community as a bus driver. She drove for thousands of events, always ensuring that the bus was warm and greeting everyone with a smile (and every grandchild with a hug and a kiss). “Queen Ann” was a Mom to everyone. Her home always had a seat at the table. With an empathetic ear and compassionate heart, she gave everyone who entered their home a sense of belonging. She had unmatched dedication to Immaculata High School. She was a founding member of the Spartan Club and started the fashion show for fundraising events. Ann Marie was a familiar and loving presence in the bleachers, always cheering for her husband, children, grandchildren, and everyone in uniform (apart from the referees). Her unwavering support and encouragement were the hallmarks of her character. Ann Marie was a devout parishioner of The Church of The Immaculate Conception in Somerville, where she was an active member of the Rosary Altar Society and helped guide new couples in Pre-Cana before marriage.

Her natural ability to lead and smart business sense led her to start Summer Set Pool Management Company in 1987. She gave hundreds of kids their first jobs as lifeguards and was an inspiration to women in business for over thirty years. Ann Marie also held leadership roles during her transportation career with various bus companies.

Ann & Pierce enjoyed spending time at the Jersey Shore on summer trips, eventually getting a summer home of their own in Point Pleasant Beach. They spent decades creating memories down the shore together as a family that will be cherished for generations. They enjoyed traveling, especially with Rich and Beda Dupras.

In her retirement, Ann Marie enjoyed card games, especially Mahjong and Hollywood Rummy, which she taught her grandchildren to play for some fun family competition and higher stakes. She had simple joys like spending time on the front porch – glass of wine in hand – with family and friends. Ann Marie also looked forward to trips to Atlantic City and Florida with her sisters. Most of all, Ann Marie was devoted to her family. They knew – no matter what – she was always their biggest fan.

Christmas always held a special place in Ann Marie’s heart. It was a time of faith and celebration, which included togetherness with family and friends, and charity to those in need. The joy of the holiday season came with how special she made this time of year for everyone she loved. The traditions of decorations, food, family, and joy will be remembered by her family for generations to come. In the days ahead, her family will especially cherish the memories of Christmas past as they gather in her honor this year.

Her compassion knew no bounds. She was generous to children’s charities and organizations that helped those in the most need. Ann Marie was known as a pillar in the community and was a blessing to everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. Whether it was a moment of kindness in a smile, or an open heart for someone in need, her impact was felt far and wide.

She was predeceased by her parents, Lollie and Chic, dear brothers Charlie (and Anna May) and Robert Nelson, and cherished daughter-in-law Christine Frauenheim.

Left to carry on her legacy and cherish her memory is her loving husband of 63 years, Pierce Frauenheim Sr., and their adoring family: Pierce Jr. and wife Kathy, Christopher, Patricia Bobrowski and husband Kevin Sr., Theresa Adams and husband Scott, Michael and late wife Christine, David and wife Ellen, Scott and husband Mike Hubbard. Ann Marie had a special relationship with each of her 21 grandchildren (Michelle and husband Matt Vosk, Jessica, Pierce III, Lauren, Krista and fiancé Mat Polanco, Kayla, Michael and fiancée Anna Powell, Kelly, Kimberly and husband Tim Barber, Danny, Kyle, Luke, Connor, Patrick, Kevin Jr., Jack, Cody, Grace, Ryan, Erin, Malia), five great-grandchildren (Madeline, Michaela, Andrew, Maileigh, and Mason), sisters (Lillian Weingart and late husband Bob Sr., and Patricia Tallman and husband Jerry,) cousin (Joanie Madigan-Bollinger and her husband Fred,) sister-in-law (Betty Nelson) and countless other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends who were impacted by her extraordinary life.

Ann Marie taught everyone she ever met the importance of empathy, and the power of family. Long live the Queen!