Virginia Gaughran

CHESHIRE - Virginia Frances Gaughran, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday December 31, 2011 at Masonicare of Wallingford. She was the beloved wife of the late Gerard Francis Gaughran.

Mrs. Gaughran was the loving mother of Maureen, of Vermont, and Michael and his wife, Suzanne, of Meriden. She was also the devoted grandmother of 7 grandchildren, whom she loved with all of her heart: Nathan, Nicholas, Michael, Edward, Tyler, Laura, and John; and is also survived by many nieces and nephews that she cared deeply for and kept in close touch with throughout her life. She was the loving sister of the late Marguerite Joyce, Anna Rowe and Thomas Hauer.

Mrs. Gaughran was born October 11, 1923 in Boston, MA, the daughter of the late Thomas and Annie (Smith) Hauer. She was a longtime Cheshire resident, moving from Boston in the late 1960's. Virginia had a passion for music and spent many years of her life as a professional singer, which provided her with the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park. She took pride in being an active member of the community throughout her life. She belonged to St. Thomas Becket Church and the Cheshire Widow/Widowers Club. She also served on the Cheshire Generations Together Committee, as well as the Cheshire Democratic Women's Committee, and always looked forward to spending time at the Cheshire Senior Center, where she had so much fun, singing and conversing with her many friends!

Arrangements - A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday January 6, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Becket Church 435 North Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire. Friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Per Virginia's request, there will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Becket Church. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. is assisting with arrangements.