Frances M. Elizeus

Frances Boerum Elizeus in her 100th year, entered into paradise on July 6th, 2022.

She was the devoted wife to the late Paul Elizeus for 47 years. He was the love of her life, a humble, kind and Godly man. 

The daughter of Bertha (Reich) Boerum and William F. Boerum, Frances was born at Columbus Hospital in Bridgeport, CT on July 28th, 1922 and was a native of Bridgeport all of her life. 

The Great depression left their family struggling, but as she always stated, "We had nothing but were happy. We didn't know we were poor."  Some of her best childhood memories included riding on the back of the ice trucks with roller skates; listening to Jack Par and Ed Sullivan radio shows; going to the Rialto theater in Bridgeport for Tuesday movie nights; playing with their menagerie of animals, including  pet ducks, cats, and dogs. 

Frances graduated from Central High School in 1939 and went on to complete training at the former Booth and Bayliss business school.  She was hired at a young age by the former Bridgeport Brass Company where she worked her way up to Supervisor of Accounts Receivables, a job she relished for 18 years.   She managed a department of 5 ladies and led with tenacity, high ethics and a fun spirit.  Fran's accounting skills were sharp during a time without computers or calculators.  She kept meticulous records and received many letters of accolades from the Bridgeport Brass on her ability to balance everything to a "T". When the Brass was audited by a New York auditing firm, they could not find one error in her work and sent a letter to the President saying "if anything were to happen to Miss Boerum, the company would be left high and dry."  During her tenure at the Brass, she was active in all of their activities including the bowling club, company musicals, and was treasurer and charter member of the company's Webster club.  Fran was the designer for all of the company floats that were used in the Barnum Festival parade. 

During World War II, Fran and many of her co-workers took on the role of Rosie the Riveter, working an extra shift at the Navy building assembling munitions.  She felt it an honor and privilege to serve her country in this way. 

Fran and Paul had two daughters Paula Pancoast and Ann Marie Hubbell, who were blessed beyond measure to have parents who went above and beyond for their family. Fran was an involved parent in every aspect of their education.  Life during these family building years were filled with joy, music, and fun family times.

Fran was filled with pride and joy when her precious grand-children came into her life. Fran went to every event - dance recitals, gymnastic and diving competitions, piano recitals, plays, always cheering on the children.  She was beyond ecstatic when her first great-granddaughter Betsy Kate McMullen was born, and most recently when Clair Whitton McMullen became the newest member of the family. 

Fran was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ, in Bridgeport, CT. She was baptized at 12 years old and taught bible class for many years. The church eventually relocated to Trumbull where she continued to be an active member, serving right up to the age of 98.  Fran's strong faith in God brought her through the most difficult times in her life.  She always gave glory to God for the blessings in her life and said more often than not, "God has been very good to me."

Fran had a strong sense of purpose and positive attitude.  She was resilient, joyous and was a friend to people of all ages.   Listening was a great attribute of hers, and she would always offer Christian advice, to not put your faith in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.    Fran delighted in her own card ministry through the years, never forgetting a birthday, anniversary, or milestone event.  She had an unwavering respect for all and used her gift of prose, to encourage and uplift others.   She didn't just write a line or two on a card, she wrote volumes and always from her heart.

Fran’s favorite pastimes included music and travel.  Her love of music followed her through her long life and she played the piano, violin, and accordion.  An intrepid traveler, Fran journeyed domestically from Maine to California, New York City her favorite destination.  Broader excursions brought her to Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and Antarctica where she boarded zodiacs, walked with penguins and got a bit too close to the dangerous leopard seals.

In her 90's she enjoyed the fun of water aerobics where she developed many close friends.   

Fran's deep rooted passion was for all of God's creatures, especially her favorite felines.  You knew you were at Fran's house when the sign on the front door read "My cat lets me live here".  

Frances is survived by her daughter Ann Marie Hubbell of Stratford;  daughter Paula Pancoast and her husband Bruce Pancoast of Monroe, 5 cherished grand-children; Jody Pancoast-McMullen and her husband Dr. Matthew McMullen of Rhode Island, Kenny Pancoast of Groton; Emily and Kristen Hubbell of Stratford; Haley Hubbell of Groton;  Her great-granddaughters Elizabeth Kate McMullen and Claire Whitton McMullen; niece Leah Pinto Fernandes and her husband Ray Fernandes of Trumbull;  nephew David Pinto and his wife Marilyn Pinto of Longmeadow, MA; great-niece Jillian Deckard, great-grand-nephew Jackson Duncan, Searcy, AR; great-nephew Gregory Taylor and his wife Jessi Taylor and their daughter Olivia Rose Taylor of Seymour;  great-niece Melinda Pinto and her husband Scot Brownell of Watertown, MA.

Frances was predeceased by her sister Jacqueline (Boerum) Pinto, and her husband Fred Pinto also of Bridgeport.

Thanks to all who prayed for her during these last few weeks of her life. 

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, July 30th at the Trumbull Church of Christ, 2 Drew Circle, Trumbull, CT 06611 with calling hours at 9:00a.m., and a memorial service at 10:00 a.m.  The family has requested no flowers please.  In celebration of Fran's life she would want everyone to do something fun with your family, say a prayer of thanks to God for your blessings. Those who wish to send a monetary donation can send it to the Trumbull church of Christ.

To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com