Frances Cabrini Xavier Berkery

Frances Cawley Berkery died May 15, 2022 at Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. She was born February 4, 1944 in New London, Connecticut. She was the daughter of the late John Joseph Cawley and Catherine Van Derlyke. She was the widow of Vincent D. Berkery, he died January 21, 1999. She is survived by her brother James Cawley (Barbara) of New London, CT, a sister Margaret Cawley of Niantic, CT, and her niece Maureen Rozo of Fairfax, VA. She is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and many treasured friends. She was predeceased by a sister Mary Ann Mountvoures of Niantic. She attended St Mary Star of the Grammar School and St Bernard High School of New London, and The Modern School of Providence, Rhode Island. She married her Vinnie on August 22, 1964 (also her brother's birthday) at St Mary Star of the Sea Church in New London. Mr and Mrs Berkery moved to Rhode Island. After a few years it was discovered that Fran needed a kidney transplant. Her brother Jim gave her one of his. That kidney renewed her life for almost fifty years. The anniversary of the transplant was celebrated every year by Fran. Fran and Vinnie followed other family members to Virginia. The made new friends, found careers and created a happy home in Fairfax. Fran joined the staff of the Fairfax Department of Family Services in 1991. Her official job title was receptionist but she was in reality the cheerleader for the agency. In 2005 she was the first recipient of The Fran Berkery Excellence in Customer Service Award. She retired in 2021 because of ill health. Frances' life motto could be "Live well, Love much (especially Vinnie), Laugh often. She was proud of her Irish heritage. She enjoyed flowers, retail catalogues, celebrations and holidays. She was notorious for her Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations. She surrounded herself with vivid colors - no neutrals. If you come to her wake or funeral service create a garden for Fran - wear bright colors. In lieu of flowers send a contribution to a charity of your choice in her honor.