Frances McGee

Frances “Dolly” McGee, the matriarch of a large and loving family, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains, NJ. She was 91 years old.

Born on June 13, 1934, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Talithia (Tillie) Zukowsky and Adam Biernacki, Dolly grew up in Paterson, NJ, where she attended East Side High School. Dolly was a woman of many talents who brought a dedicated work ethic to everything she did. After starting her early years as a waitress, she became a manager at Stop & Shop. Even in retirement, she remained active, serving as a bookkeeper at Johnny’s Marina. Yet, for Dolly, her most significant and rewarding work was the love and care she poured into her family as a dedicated wife and mother.

Beyond her career and her dedication to her family, Dolly had a zest for life that was best expressed through her love of travel, cooking and friendly competition. She was a world traveler who loved the lights of Broadway and the quiet of a campsite in equal measure. An avid knitter, Dolly’s beautiful creations will be cherished forever by the loved ones who wear them. She was famously competitive, whether she was playing a hand of cards or taking the court with her beloved bocce team, "New Kids on the Bocce." At home, her kitchen was never without a fresh batch of her signature butter balls or a fresh pot of homemade soup.

Dolly’s greatest pride was the beautiful family she built. She never missed a birthday, ensuring every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild felt the warmth of her love. She loved cheering for her grandsons’ hockey games, and was the undisputed anchor of every family gathering.

Dolly was predeceased by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Frank McGee; her daughter, Tracey Barber (beloved wife of Scott Barber); and her sister, Phyllis McInerney.

Her legacy lives on through her daughters, Kelley Maldon (husband Alex) and Terry Salamone (husband John). She was the cherished grandmother of Alyssa Maldon, Ashley Watterson (husband JP), Ryan Barber, Nick Salamone (wife Camryn), Lindsey Barber, and Amanda Salamone. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Jolie, Damon, Avery, and Austin, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her sixth great-grandchild, Wyatt Gray Salamone.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Dolly’s vibrant life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at The Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Avenue, Butler, NJ.

● Visitation: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

● Graveside Service: 11:30 AM

● Repass: 1:00 PM at Buonasera Restaurant, 1574 NJ-23, Butler, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support their mission of finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease: give.michaeljfox.org

Sign the physical guest book, please click this link below. This information will not be displayed online and will only be printed in the actual guest book. https://guestregistry.funeralscreen.com/guest-entry/15139