Frances Elizabeth Dirkes (nee Demery), born December 8, 1919, passed on July 22, 2020 at the age of 100. Of Ocean City, NJ; formerly of Erial, NJ.
Predeceased by her beloved husband V. Douglas Dirkes. Loving mother of Douglas W. (Rosemary) of Waterford Works, NJ and Debra DiOrio (the late Charles) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Dear grandmother of Rebecca Guy (Brent) of Wilmington, NC, Amy Chess of Hillsborough, NJ, Jonathan Dirkes of Waterford Works, NJ, and Daniel DiOrio of Bengaluru, India. Predeceased by granddaughter Carrie Ann McKeever. Devoted great grandmother of Alexa Chess, Kayla Chess, Gavin Wright, and Colin Wright. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and honorary daughter Diane Laag (Rapp).
Fran was the last surviving member of the "Greatest Generation" in our family. She wasn't "Rosie the Riveter" but she was a stenographer in the Office of the Superintendent of Shipyards (SupShips) US Navy. In later years, she worked for the Gloucester Twp. Public Schools as a secretary until her retirement. She enjoyed the casino and bowling well into her 80s. She also enjoyed gardening, watching the Phillies, and spending time with her grands.
Services will be private at the graveside for immediate family.
Although Fran did not pass from the virus, she would have liked to honor the caregivers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Communities Foundation, 3311 State Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753 with "In Memory of Frances Dirkes" in the memo line or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Delaware Valley Chapter, 2002 Sproul Road 102, Broomall, PA 19008.
Services
There are no events scheduled.
So many wonderful memories of Aunt Fran come to mind:
When I was growing up in Brooklyn, Aunt Fran would invite me to come to Long Valley where she and Uncle Doug lived in their first home. There I experienced the fun of picking berries and making jam with Aunt Fran and also fishing and candling eggs with Uncle Doug Those great summer times of being in the "country" are some of my fondest childhood memories. Dougie , who was a little younger than me, was a fun "brother" to share adventures with.
In more recent times, Ed and I always looked forward to visiting Aunt Fran on her birthday and enjoying lunch with her and Debbie. On those occasions, there was always plenty of talk about family times and lots of laughter, Quiet Aunt Fran liked to have fun. When you were with her, you could always expect her smiles and laughter.
We will certainly miss her and the joy that you felt when you were with her. However, her kind smile and personal warmth will always remain with me.
Harriet McNamara