Frances Virginia Howrigan

Fairfield, VT – Frances Virginia Howrigan, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, entered her eternal heavenly home on December 2, 2024, at the age of 96, surrounded by her devoted and loving family.
Virginia was born on November 17, 1928, in Colchester, VT, the second of seven children to Andrew and Margaret (Teachout) Mawn. From a young age, she displayed the quiet strength and unwavering faith that would define her life. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in St. Albans, she furthered her education at Chandler Secretarial School for Women in Boston, earning her associate degree.
On February 12, 1949, Virginia married William Robert Howrigan at St. Mary's Church in St. Albans, VT. Together they built a beautiful life, raising nine children on their beloved farm in Fairfield, Misty Maples. Virginia and Robert shared 60 years together before Robert's passing. Virginia's love for her husband, family, and community radiated in everything she did. She was the heart of her home, a woman of quiet strength, contentment, and unwavering faith who raised nine children on a bustling dairy farm. Virginia's unselfish spirit and gentle demeanor shaped her family as she worked tirelessly without complaint, creating a haven of warmth and care for those who entered. Virginia's home, a sanctuary of love, laughter, and security, was always open to nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.
As a member of St. Patrick's Parish in Fairfield, Virginia lived her faith through service and devotion. She sang in the church choir, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and participated in both the Parish Council and Ladies of St. Patrick's. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life, and her acts of service touched many in her community. In 1995, Virginia was honored as Vermont Mother of the Year, a title she wore with humility and grace, remaining active in that organization until her death. She was also a dedicated Red Cross blood donor, giving over ten gallons of blood over the course of her life. Virginia was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Fairfield Parents Club, 4 H Club, Vermont Right to Life, St. Patrick's Credit Union, and many others.
Virginia found great joy in her beloved children and their families; Patrick, deceased (Paula), Mary Schreindorfer (John), W. Robert Jr. (Patricia), Eileen Trudell (Garry), Daniel (Shelley), David (Peggy), Brian (Cari), Catherine Beauregard (Steve), and Mark (Sarah). She was a proud grandmother to 37 grandchildren, a great-grandmother to 50 (with one more on the way), and a great-great-grandmother to two.
Virginia is also survived by her sisters: Sister Rita Mawn, Patricia Heimberger, and Kathleen Tabor, as well as brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Teresa Manahan, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Robert and son Patrick, Virginia was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses: Margaret Yuen (John), Elizabeth Mercure (Joe), Andrew Mawn Jr. (Kathy) and John Heimberger. Virginia was predeceased by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Francis and Neva Howrigan, Sgt. Raymond Howrigan USMC, Dr. Thomas Howrigan, Harold and Anne Howrigan, Rose and Emmet O'Connell, Mary and Bernard Connor, Loretta and Henry Magnan and Kathleen and Fred Connor.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Debbie Paradee and Kathy Collins for the devoted and compassionate homecare they helped us provide to our mother. To the caregivers at Northwestern Medical Center, Franklin County Rehabilitation Center and Bayada Hospice services, the family expresses sincere thanks for their professional and attentive care.
Virginia's legacy of kindness, humility, and grace will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church in Fairfield on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the family lot in St. Patrick's Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial masses may be offered, or donations may be made to the St. Patrick's Cemetery Association, c/o Aaron Reynolds, 24 Old Quarry Court, St. Albans, Vermont 05478.
Our Mother will be forever in our hearts, and we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, surrounded by the love of God.