Worcester’s Frances Perkins: Public Figure, Private Faith

May 14, 2015, marked the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Worcester’s own Frances Perkins (1880-1965), the first woman to serve on the U.S. Cabinet.  She was appointed U.S. Secretary of Labor in 1934 by President Franklin D Roosevelt and served for twelve years.  

In 2009, the Episcopal Church recognized Perkins with her own feast day, May 13, a day marked with prayers and music dedicated to her memory.  A service of celebration was held at St. Michael’s-on-the-Heights Episcopal Church on Wednesday, May 13, 2015.  The Rev. Deacon David Woessner officiated.  We were honored that her grandson, Tomlin Perkins Coggeshall, was able to join us for this special occasion.  Mr. Coggeshall is founder of the Frances Perkins Center in Damariscotta, Maine.