Elsie L Coleman

old with loved ones by her side. Elsie was born on February 19, 1941 to parents Joseph D. Gray

Sr. and Beatrice Irene Adams.

She grew up in Noank, Connecticut and graduated from Fitch Senior High School in 1959. An identity she held close to her heart was being a member of the Mohegan Tribe. Elsie was also a proud Girl Scout leader, seamstress, and member of the Ledyard Ambulance Service.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles H. Coleman Jr., and siblings, Joseph Gray Jr. and Carol Gray.

Elsie and her husband lived in sunny Cape Coral Florida, where they happily resided for 30 years. After the passing of her husband, Elsie moved back to Connecticut where she lived in the Fort Hill Community in Uncasville, Connecticut to be closer to family.

Elsie is survived by numerous family members who adored her. She had a special

relationship with Susie N. Jacobs, her niece, who she selflessly helped raise. She was a proud

Nana to Susie’s twin daughters, Lauren A. Jacobs and Kristina R. Jacobs. She leaves behind

several nieces and nephews, and her beloved pet bird, Angel.

Elsie was full of life and was always up for an adventure, whether it be ziplining,

shopping, go-karting, or rollercoasters. She was positive and full of energy, frequently outlasting

her daughter and granddaughters on day adventures. She fostered in her family a love of cooking

and was passionate about black raspberry ice cream (often eating it for breakfast and allowing

her grandchildren to have it for breakfast, too).

Those of you who knew Elsie well might have heard stories about her Aunt Mary Virgina Morgan-Goodman, who helped raise her. Her Aunt Mary was a prominent woman in her community and was a force to be reckoned with. However, Elsie took on that challenge and provided her with many amusing memories. She instilled in her daughter and grandchildren a sense of strength and resiliency. This characteristic was evident at many points in her life, specifically during a hike at the beach with her daughter and young

grandchildren. During the hike, she broke her ankle, severely, but still managed to make light of

the situation and provide us with guidance. These qualities were apparent in her final few days

here on Earth, as even then she had a sense of humor and a certain strength about her. Her family

and friends will continue to reminisce about the ways in which she unapologetically lived her

life. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Services will be held at Fort Shantok located in Uncasville, Connecticut on December 4,

2023 at 1:00pm.