While a student nurse at St. Francis Hospital, Frances Jean Caruso participated in the U. S. World War II Cadet Nursing Corps. Frances stated she was born on March 21, 1927, and the family lived on Logan Avenue, Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania. She said her father was J. M. Caruso, an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

At the time of the 1930 Federal Census, Giuseppe Caruso, 29, and his wife, Mary (Garramone), both born in Italy, lived on Walton Avenue in Altoona with their two daughters, Frances, 3, and Gloria, 1 year 9 months.

Mr. Caruso was "Joseph" in the 1940 census record. At that time, he and his wife had Frances and Gloria, as well as a daughter, Dolores, age 7.

Frances Jane Caruso graduated in 1945 from Altoona High School.

Mary V. Garramone Caruso, age 51, died on November 18, 1959. Giuseppe Caruso gave the information on her death record.

Joseph Caruso died November 13, 1999, age 100. "Joseph" appears on their joint gravestone at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona. He had served in the Italian Army during World War I.

The family home on Logan Avenue was held by the family until 1998, at which time it was sold.

Frances Jean Caruso Clapper died on November 28, 2009. Unfortunately, her obituary INCORRECTLY states that she graduated from the MERCY HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING. Her membership cards from the Cadet Nursing Corps were presented above to correct this error.

OBITUARY: NEWARK: A memorial service to celebrate the life of Frances J. Clapper, 82, of Newark, will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 701 Linnville Rd., Heath with Pastor Tom Hughes officiating.

Frances was born in Altoona, PA on March 21, 1927 to the late Joseph and Mary (Garramone) Caruso. She passed away on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center.

Fran graduated from Altoona High School. She also graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, was a member of the final class of the Army/Nurse Corp program and became a registered nurse, specializing in obstetrical and surgical nursing for nearly 44 years. She was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she served on the church board and worked for many years in their S.D.A. Community Service Center. She was also a volunteer at the church school, serving as school treasurer and as a classroom aid. She enjoyed collecting antiques, Heisey Glassware, playing bridge, traveling, was an avid reader and studied the Bible. She also enjoyed gardening and was an accomplished floral arranger, winning many competitions. Most important in her life was her loving family. She loved cooking for her family and spending time with her six grandchildren.

Survivors include her loving husband of 55 years, Ronald C. Clapper, whom she married on June 19, 1954; one son, Timothy (Wanda) Clapper of Mobile, Alabama; two daughters, Tamara (Dennis) Starkey of Calhoun, Georgia, and Christine (Anthony) Miller of Newark; one brother, Joe (Susan) Caruso of Columbus, Ohio; two sisters, Delores Lertora of Kensington, Maryland, and Angela (John) Lina of Chesapeake, Virginia; six grandchildren, Rian Haynes, Samuel Clapper, Melissa Starkey, Brian Starkey, Kalista Miller and Cecelia Miller; one great grandchild, Morgan Haynes; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Gloria Stellabotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Frances to the Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School on Linnville Road.

Arrangements are entrusted to Criss-Schoedinger Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark......

Published in the The Advocate on Nov. 28, 2009.