Frances Andris

Frances Theresa Andris (nee Karkowski) went to God on the evening of June 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a brief in-home hospice stay. She was 95.

Born in Philadelphia on November 9, 1929, Frances was the daughter of Joseph and Anna Karkowski and grew up on Girard Avenue alongside her four siblings: Joseph, Vincent, Barbara, and Victoria. She was a proud graduate of J.W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School.

On May 21, 1950, she married the love of her life, Charles Joseph Andris. Together, they raised four children and built a home rooted in faith, family, and beauty. They lived in Northeast Philadelphia until 1969, then in East Rockhill (Quakertown), Pennsylvania, where Frances remained until Charles’s passing in 2016. She then moved to Lancaster to be closer to her daughter, Susan, husband Gregg and granddaughter Allie, who surrounded her with love and care.

Frances worked as a librarian at the Quakertown Library for 34 years, where she was cherished by colleagues and patrons alike. A lifelong lover of books, she had a sharp mind, a refined eye, and a deep appreciation for the arts. Opera and ballet were among her greatest joys, with Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, and Mikhail Baryshnikov holding special places in her heart.

Her passion for antiquing and collectibles was more than a hobby—it was an art form. Frances had a gift for creating beautiful Victorian vignettes throughout her home, each curated with intention and care. Every season brought new displays, from fresh spring flowers to fall's bittersweet. She believed beauty was a form of reverence, and her home reflected her devotion to craftsmanship, tradition, and grace.

Frances also held a deep appreciation for the handwritten word. Whether sending a thoughtful card or receiving one, she valued the personal touch and the care it represented. She had a signature way of sending loved ones off with a heartfelt “Go with God,” often followed by her sweet and simple “Kissy kissy.”

Frances is survived by her sons Charles and wife Wendy of Barnstable, MA, and Jamestown, RI; Ronald and wife Pamela of Gainesville, GA; and her daughter Susan Coulton and husband Greg of Lancaster, PA. She was the proud grandmother of Jerry Bird and wife Joelle, Michael Bird and wife Rachel, Jessica Ferraro and husband Jude, Amanda Flood, Megan Andris and husband Andrew, Ronald Andris Jr. and wife Jennifer, Taylor Coulton and wife Gabrielle, Caitlinn Andris, and Alexandra Coulton. She also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren and many dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Charles Joseph Andris, and her daughter, Denise Bird.

A Catholic Mass celebrating Frances’ life will be held on Friday, June 27, at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603. Family visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow at Conestoga Country Club, 1950 Stone Mill Road, Lancaster.

In honor of Frances’ lifelong faith and generosity, donations may be made in her name to the St. Philip the Apostle Church in Lancaster or St Isidore’s Parish in Quakertown.