Frances Maria Damery, age 99, and longtime resident of Berkley, Michigan, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday, October 14, 2024. Frances was born on Saturday, January 31, 1925, in Ballydehob, Ireland to Henry and Jane Jermyn.

Frances spent her childhood on her family farm where she proudly had the responsibility of bringing the cows home each day. She never knew how many chickens were actually on the farm, but was always adamant that there were no ducks.

After finishing school, Frances moved to Skibbereen where she worked in town and learned how to be skilled seamstress. A skill that would prove infamous her whole life. While in town at a dance one Friday night, she fell in love with her husband of 71 years, Robert Damery.

Shortly after marrying on April 20th, 1950, Frances and Bob left Ireland in search of a new adventure. They first boarded a boat for Australia; however, decided the climate and wages were not for them. They then packed their bags and set sail for Vancouver, Canada, and eventually to the United States where they joined their immigration sponsor, Roberts uncle, Jim Damery, in Berkley, MI.

Frances was a wonderful mother, grandmother, homemaker, host, and enjoyed caring for those around her. She was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Her family has fond memories of her cooking including her famous spaghetti dinners, finding a Sixpense in the plum pudding during Christmas, and green Jell-o.

She was a founding member of the St. David’s Episcopal Church in Southfield, MI where she enjoyed participating in many of the church committees and events. Frances also belonged to the Eastern Star #483 of Berkley Masonic Lodge #536 F.&A.M. where her and her husband were very active in hosting dinners, card parties, and communications.

Frances will be remembered for how much love and joy she brought to her family and community. She will live on through the items she created for family, including a favorite of her grandkids: knitted slippers, a recipe book that includes many versions of her favorite Irish soda breads, pie crusts, and fruit cake, and always having the perfect accessories for her endless gowns and outfits.

Frances is survived by her son, George (Jill Russell) Damery; daughters, Lillian Cook and Suzanne (Gwynfor) Carter; seven grandchildren, Dr. Erin Damery, Julie (Mark) Bernier, Allison Cook(Victor Rua Espada), Andrea Cook, Martin Cook, Elizabeth (Zane Lackey) Carter and Gareth Carter; a precious great grandson; Brady Bernier; she also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews. Frances is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (4/18/2021); parents, Henry and Jane Jermyn; and three siblings; John Jermyn, Elizabeth Shannon and Dolly Pyburn.

Private cremation has been entrusted to Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home. A funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:30 PM at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 16200 Twelve Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48076. The service will be available for family and friends through St. David’s website via Zoom.

For instructions on how to watch the service live, click here. A link directly to the service is also available here. The password is 16200. Zoom Service Starting at 1:30

Inurnment will be at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley at 3:00 PM following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in honor of Frances to St. David’s Food Pantry:

St. David’s

Memo: Food Pantry

16200 West Twelve Mile Road

Southfield, MI 48076

Or visit St. David’s Homepage and click the “Donate” button.