Name: Visitation for Frances McVeigh
Start: 2015-10-18T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-10-19T04:00:00.000Z
Location: Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

Frances (Roddy) McVeigh

On October 12, 2015, Frances McVeigh passed away peacefully in the presence of her family. Frances was born in San Francisco on September 5, 1923, to Margaret Toohey and Michael Roddy. She graduated from St. Peter's Academy in San Francisco where she was a student body officer and the top student in the commercial track. Fran worked as an executive assistant for the Federal Government and Standard Oil. She contributed to the War effort as a hostess for the USO Big Band Dances, becoming an accomplished dancer and a gracious hostess to the visiting soldiers.

Frances married the love of her life, Martin Allen McVeigh, at St. Paul's Catholic Church on August 31, 1946. They built and managed San Francisco's premier newspaper pub - the M&M Tavern - a landmark at the corner of 5th and Howard Streets in SOMA. Fran was a charter member of St. Veronica's Parish, serving roles as President of the Women's Club and various leadership roles for St. Veronica's School, Serra High School and Mercy High School. Fran was an enthusiastic supporter of all her children's activities including sports, theater and school activities. Fran loved theatre and musical comedy as a member of a theatre appreciation group for many years. Fran and Al continued their love of dancing throughout their marriage. They both loved tide pool exploring and walks on the beach at their beloved Sea Ranch. Fran was an active member of the 8am daily mass and coffee group at St. Veronica's. Her smile and concern for others improved the lives of all around her. Fran's career entry in the family Bible reads "Mother!" - her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are her legacy.

Frances is survived by her five children: Sharon Pettigrew (John), Daniel McVeigh (Rebecca Baumann), Thomas McVeigh, Martin McVeigh (Elsa), and Margaret McVeigh (Gregory DiPeso). Her seven grandchildren: Benjamin Pettigrew (Ann Marie), Brendan McVeigh (Michelle), Mary McVeigh, Margaret Pettigrew (Alex Vahdat), Shawn Freitas, Christopher DiPeso and Francis DiPeso. Her three great-grandchildren: Jonathan Pettigrew, Allen McVeigh and Joseph Pettigrew. She is celebrated by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Frances was predeceased by her husband, Allen McVeigh, her parents, Margaret and Michael Roddy, her sisters, Mary Kuhlman and Rita McGrath, and her brother, Martin Roddy.

Visitation will be held at Duggan's Serra Mortuary in Daly City from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, with a recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Veronica's Catholic Church, 434 Alida Way in South San Francisco on Monday, October 19 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Peter's Catholic School, 1266 Florida St., San Francisco, CA 94110, or to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances McVeigh

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

6 Entries

karen mcveigh canizales

October 23, 2015

To the McVeigh Family,
My condolences. To the family. Aunt Fran was a warm soul from what I remember. My brotherJeffrey also passed recently on August 25, 2015 he was 54.
MAY THE ROAD RISE UP
. TO MEET YOU
MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE
. AT YOUR BACK
MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM
. UPON YOUR FACE
. AND THE RAINS FALL SOFT
. UPON YOUR FIELDS
AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE
. PALM OF HIS HAND

Nick St. Amant

October 18, 2015

I remember Frances from many years ago at the M&M. My dad was a sports reporter for the INS and the M&M was where he and his cronies would meet before 49er games at Kezar. I was just a kid (65 years ago) but I remember particularly Frances sometimes there on Sunday with hard boiled eggs or some other 'treat.' I knew she liked kids because she was always nice to me and my brother.

Condolences to the McVeigh family. Your mom was memorable.

October 17, 2015

I remember being struck by her beauty and graciousness when we first met. At every occasion, it was apparent how much she was loved by members and friends of the family. She will be greatly missed.

Sr. Marian Rose Power RSM

October 16, 2015

To all the McVeigh Family;
During the past 37 years I have worked with the St. Peter's Alumni. Fran has been a very faithful member of this supportive group who have enabled St.Peter's to continue quality Catholic education in the Mission. The staff and students at St. Peter's pray in gratitude for all her support. We ask God to give her the fullness of peace. Mass is offered for her and all of you her very special loved ones.

John Griffin

October 16, 2015

.Fond memories of a very fine woman. My sincere condolences, and God's gift of peace

John J. Griffin Jr

Barry Dugan

October 16, 2015

Dear McVeigh family,
I am very sorry for your loss. You may not remember me, or my family, but we were neighbors and schoolmates for a time at St. Veronica's.
I wanted to share a very fond memory of your mother, and your father, that touched our family at a time of great loss.
When my mother died in 1963 in a car accident, your father, Al, quietly and generously gave my father a car. It was a Desoto, had a little rust here and there, but my uncle remarked to my father, "John, it purrs like a kitten." It was an act of kindness I have never forgotten.
Less than a month later, your mother, Frances, knowing that it was my birthday (Tom McVeigh and I shared a birthday, January 30, if I recall correctly) baked me a birthday cake. Again, no big fuss was made, but it was an act of kindness and compassion I have never forgotten. One can imagine how much that meant to a 9-year-old boy who had just lost his mother.
Those two acts of kindness have always stayed with me, and I am sure there are countless others like them from the many lives your parents touched. I just wanted to share that story as an acknowledgement of your mother and father's kindness and generosity, and how they helped our family during a difficult time.
Thank you,
Barry Dugan

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