Elsie M. Bitsco passed away peacefully December 6, 2022 at the age of 97.  She was a loving, caring mother and dear friend to many.  A longtime resident of Stratford, she was devout to her Catholic faith and a dedicated parishioner of St. Mark Church in Stratford.

Elsie Marguerite was born in 1925 to parents Eleanor and LeRoy Somers.  Growing up without running water or electricity, she was grateful for everything she had.  At 13, Elsie moved to Florida where she became a "mother's helper" caring for four children.  She also developed a love of horses and after graduating from Post Junior College in Waterbury, CT, she became an accomplished trick rider winning many trophies with her beloved horse, Topper.  In 1946 she earned "All Around Cowgirl" for Connecticut.

From 1941-1944, Elsie volunteered for the USO, writing to servicemen and was active in entertainment events.  She worked at GE and met the love of her life, Edward Bitsco, and they married in 1951. After raising three children, she returned to work and retired from Bic Pen after many years of service.

Elsie loved being with family and friends and to her, that was "what life is all about."  She loved time outdoors, music, the bible, and saying her daily prayers. Among her memories with family and friends were trips to Hawaii, Texas, California, Pennsylvania and Disney.

Anyone who met Elsie was enamored with her.  She sent cards to relatives and friends no matter how distant.  Everyone described her as "full of life", "the kindest person I know" and "always positive with something nice to say."  She felt blessed every day of her life.

Elsie is survived by 3 children, Debora Dunlop (James) of SC, Edward Bitsco (Maura) of Stratford and Annette Ferrante (Don) of NJ.  She was loving grandmother to Rebecca Rowles (Kevin), Caitlin Bitsco, Kyle Bitsco (Courtney), Colin Bitsco, Sean Coleman, Jack Coleman, Sara Higgins (Justin), Cayla Fanelli (Ben) and great grandmother to Ryan, Juliana and Avery Rowles and Quinn Higgins, along with many nieces, nephews, grand and great grand nieces, and nephews.

Elsie is predeceased by her husband Edward A. Bitsco, WWII Army veteran and POW, siblings Charles and Richard Somers, Evelyn Babina, Frances DeVoid, Patricia Patterson and great grandson Liam Rowles.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Springs of 3030 Park and Vitas Healthcare for their loving and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, December 13 ^th at Adzima Funeral Home, Stratford, CT.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 14 ^th , 10 am at St. Mark Church in Stratford.  Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elsie's name to St. Mark Church or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.