Frances E. Stott

Norwich-Frances E. Stott, age 82, of Norwich, passed away at William W. Backus Hospital on March 2, 2022, surrounded by her loving family whom she adored. She was born on September 21, 1939 in Franklin to the late Olin and Marion (Burnell) Sanborn. She married the love of her life, Kelvin Stott on May 3, 1958 at the First Congregational Church in Norwich. She became a Farmers’ wife because she loved the Farmer and the love they shared was magical. They were married 63 years in May. He survives her.

Besides her loving husband, Frances leaves behind a daughter Sue Ferguson and her husband Mark of Norwich, a daughter Jean Stott and her partner David Lord of Uncasville, a granddaughter Megan Ferguson of Middletown, a granddaughter Cami Little and her husband Adam of Franklin, a grandson Jeffrey Ferguson and his wife Marlena of Trenton, South Carolina and a great grandson Weston Little. She was predeceased by brothers Amzi Sanborn, Phillip Sanborn, a sister Rhoda Foyda, a niece Judy Perkowski, and her Nephew Eddie Sanborn. She will be greatly missed by her dog “Annie” and her three grand dogs.

Fran grew up on Sunnyside in Yantic. She attended Samuel Huntington where she met her lifelong friend Joyce Sullivan. Then at NFA they met Nancy, Winnie, Peggy, and Doris who have remained friends for life. After graduation she worked at the Dime Bank, J Daren & Sons, and ended her career at Norwich Motor Vehicle Department after 27 years. She was “The Lady with the Smile.”

Fran and Kel raised their two daughters on Mountain Ash Farm atop Plain Hill Road in Norwich. Fran and Kel taught many life lessons but most importantly the values of sharing a meal around their kitchen table while welcoming neighbors, friends and people they considered family. Fran enjoyed this most of all. It meant the world to her to have her family gathered for holidays, birthdays and just because. It is where the heart of their home was. If you were lucky enough to have been invited to their home, you knew how much you were loved by her.

The family operated Stott’s at Bat from 1996-2015 where she played a key role …running errands and delivering orders. She wore many hats. She always took the time to make conversation with all visitors she knew, and enjoyed so many people. They belonged to YOMACO Club at First Congregational Church, and was also the Financial Secretary of the Church for many years while sitting on other various committees. She enjoyed The Friday night bowling league at the Norwich Ten Pin, The Baltic Square Dance Club, and was a member of the Yantic Ladies Fire Auxiliary. Fran couldn’t be more proud than to watch her husband sing with the Norwich Rose City Barbershop Chorus, and the quartets he was involved with. Her favorite time was driving the quartet around for Singing Valentines. It made her happy to share in others joy. Throughout the years they traveled to many Barbershop Conventions across the United States and met folks from all over. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and loved to share their stories with family and friends.

Fran absolutely loved being with her family. She would drop anything she was doing for her grandchildren. She brought them to practices, attended their games, dance recitals, and took them out to eat. She loved it when family would join her at Bingo. She especially enjoyed going to bingo with her Sisters – in Law and her niece Judy Perkowski. Where ever you went with her she was treating. She was so generous. The family loved when Frannie would go to Bingo and Win….When Frannie won….everyone won.

Recently she became a great grandmother and glowed telling people. Her daughters could count on her for anything they needed! When Fran and Kel went out to eat they knew everyone and everyone knew them. They loved their life in Norwich and loved sharing their life with everyone around them.

A very special Thank you to the nurses on E3 at Backus Hospital. They showed Fran such love and care, to her and the family. We so appreciate their kindness at a difficult time.

Family and friends may visit Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich on Tuesday from 4-7 PM. A graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Tpk. Norwich on Wednesday at 11 AM. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 14th 2022 at 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church in Norwich. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Frances’ honor to First Congregational Church of Norwich. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for the Stott family.