Frances Josephine (Mickey) Cahail | Passages

Frances Josephine (Mickey) Cahail passed away Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, in Islands Convalescent Center at the age of 100.

She was born October 21, 1909, south of Friday Harbor near Madden’s Corner to Julius Oscar Bergman and Mary Ellen (Madden) Bergman. She was the third of five children.

She grew up on the family mini-farm and went to school at the No. 1 school, known as Portland Fair School. She walked to and from school with her sisters and brother, together with others along the way. After the eighth grade, she went to high school in Friday Harbor, graduating as valedictorian of the Class of 1928.

As she grew up, she helped and worked for her father, who operated the Corner Store at Madden’s Corner. With her mother and sisters, they cleaned, took care of and attended St. Francis Catholic Church. The family also provided for the various priests and kept school children from Lopez who were going to school in Friday Harbor.

While going to school in Friday Harbor, she met and later married Hubert Cahail on April 6, 1929, in Anacortes at St. Mary’s rectory.

Mickey worked in the Sweet Shop, Snack Shack and King’s Market. While raising three children, she also worked in the fish cannery.

In her younger years, she played the piano for dances at the old Mitchell Bay Hall. She volunteered at the convalescent center where she later spent her last years.

She was active in the St. Francis Altar Society, Women of the Moose Lodge, Study Club, PTA and many other activities in the community.

Her husband of 60 years, Hubert, and her daughter, Carol Lee, preceded her in death. She is survived by her son, Jim (Mary Jean) Cahail; her daughter, Sharon (Kenneth) Dougherty; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her sister, Edith Martel; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Memorials may be made to the San Juan Historical Museum or any charity of your choice.

— Family of Frances Josephine (Mickey) Cahail

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.