Obituary of Virginia Ann McCafferty

On August 22, 2023 the world lost a force of nature-Virginia Ann McCafferty, 86, lost her battle with cancer.  Virginia was born in Brooklyn, NY  on April 24, 1937 as one of eleven children. A child of two Irish immigrants, Mary and John Gray, Virginia started her career on Wall Street.  After marrying her love, Peter J. McCafferty, they started a family and left Brooklyn to raise them in New Milford, CT.  Virginia had many talents and trades over the years - real estate, videographer, and most notably a key punch operator at Ethan Allen.  

Virginia and Peter raised their five children in a very athletic lifestyle; she never missed a sporting event and has video and photographic evidence of them all.  She loved photography and her children were her favorite subjects. Hosting parties, sleepovers, and welcoming her children’s friends into her home gave her joy.   

She was fondly nicknamed Big V, not because of her 5’1 frame, but  because of the presence she exuded.  She was greatly loved, respected and feared by many of those kids just ask Danny and Frank.  Virginia was a straight shooter who held you accountable for your actions.  As her children grew older, Virginia reached her favorite stage in life becoming a grandmother.  Frequently called the baby whisperer, she truly loved to hold babies in her arms.  If needed, she would pick up and relocate for months on end  to care for her grandchildren or grand nieces and nephews, endlessly giving her time and herself to help her family and those she loved.  She will be greatly missed.

Virginia is survived by her children Mary McCafferty (Rich Porco,) John McCafferty (Dottie), Michael  McCafferty (Monica), daughter in law Tracy , Tara McCafferty. Her Grandchildren Matthew, Olivia, Sean, Conor, Colin, Lily, Reilly, Caroline, Leah, Abby, JD, and Michael.  Her sisters Anne Santi and Ronnie Gray.

Virginia is predeceased by her husband Peter J. McCafferty and son Kevin D. McCafferty.

There will be visitation hours on Thursday August 24th 2-4 pm and 6 -8pm  at the Cornell Funeral Home 247 White Street Danbury, CT.  

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 25th at 10 am at St. Joseph’s Church at 376 Main Street, Danbury , CT.  Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery 71 Lake Ave Ext., Danbury, CT  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St.Jude’s.