Frances Ann (Cerra) Bryden passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 22, 1939, in Oneonta, New York, to Louis and Philomena Cerra. After graduating from Oneonta High School, she attended secretarial school in Utica, New York. Frances was a life-long Oneonta resident until she retired and moved to Austin, Texas in 2004.
In 1974, Frances began her career at Corning Incorporated, where she dedicated 30 years of service before retiring. Her commitment to her children's futures was extraordinary—she often worked one or two additional part-time jobs to ensure they could attend college. Frances had a deep love of cooking for others. Her motto reflected her generous spirit: if you had seconds, you are just being polite; it wasn't until you had thirds that she believed you truly enjoyed the meal. She also cherished reading and gardening and was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oneonta, New York, and St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Austin, Texas.
Frances was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Philomena Cerra. She is survived by her brother, Lewis "Jack" (Joann) Cerra of Savannah, GA; her children, Alfred, Stephen, and MaryLee Grant (Jeff Lee) of Austin, TX; her grandchildren, Holly Grant of Tonawanda, NY; Kelly (Jeffrey) Rosellen of Litchfield, NH; Phillip Grant of Lake Hiawatha, NJ; Victoria Lee of Austin, TX; and Nicholas (Daniella) Lee of Kyle, TX; her five great-grandchildren, Lydia Rosellen, Everett Rosellen, Micah Rosellen, Felicity Rosellen, and Harper Lee; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Christopher Welch officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
To send the family an online condolence please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations.
