FRANCES ALDINGER

VERGENNES — It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beautiful beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin, Frances “Fran” Aldinger, who left this earth on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Fran was born on May 15, 1942, in Rutland, Vt., daughter of Louis R. and Frances “Betty” (Grace) Cizmadia. She graduated from Rutland High School in 1960 and Castleton State College in 1964, with a Teaching degree in Elementary Education.

While studying at Castleton, Fran met the love of her life, Barry Aldinger, whom she married on Aug. 15, 1964. Fran and Barry were hired together as teachers at Ferrisburgh Elementary and settled in Vergennes, Vt. After giving birth to their first child, Fran took time off to raise their family. When her children were of school age, she started a private pre-school, taught at Vergennes Elementary and then landed back at Ferrisburgh Elementary where she taught until her retirement in 1990. When she and Barry became snow birds in Lady Lake, Fla., Fran enjoyed shopping and sightseeing throughout Florida.

Fran brought caring, kindness and humor into the lives of all who knew her. She loved children and is remembered fondly by all students nurtured in her care. Fran was an avid flower gardener, spending hours beautifying her yard. She enjoyed solving crosswords and the Jumble, tea and laughter with friends and time spent with her cats. Fran was blessed with a great sense of humor and she loved a good joke. Fran loved her People magazine, the Oscars, and the Emmys, keeping up with her favorite celebrities. She made a wonderful apple pie, a tasty pot of chicken and dumplings, and chocolate eclairs, which were her husband’s favorite. But nothing brought her more joy than spending time with the people she loved; she always made sure they knew how much she loved them.

Fran is survived by her devoted husband, Barry, of Vergennes; her daughter, Jackie Hayes (Kevin) of Vergennes; son, Darin Aldinger (Genny) of Lexington, S.C.; her brother Jody of Bokeelia, Fla; her grandchildren, Graham Aldinger (Claire), Jon Aldinger, Devin Hayes and Liam Hayes; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Martha Fredette and her brother David Cizmadia.

Fran’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at Eastview at Middlebury Senior Retirement Community, who treated Fran with love and kindness over the last four years. The family would also like to thank Addison Home Health & Hospice for their care and support.

There will be a memorial gathering in Fran’s honor on Friday, Oct. 17, from 5-7 p.m., at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes. All are welcome.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers can be made in Fran’s memory to Eastview at Middlebury: Retirement Community Endowment Fund, 100 East View Terrace, Middlebury VT 05753.◊