Our beloved Gigi went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Tues., July 9th, 2024, 10 days shy of her101st birthday. Born and raised in Stamford, she was the daughter of Effie Goodwin Crosta, and John Ertelthaler. Soon after, Effie re-married and Joseph Crosta became her step-father. Elsie graduated Stamford High School in 1941. Early years found her working various jobs and raising her family. She did work 20 years at Stamford Public Schools as a special ed. Paraeducator. She retired in 1988.
Married to Patsy Carretto in 1948, raising her son and their 3 daughters. She loved her family life and all the happiness it brought her. Being a member of Stamford Baptist Church since her teens, it was a home away from home. Elsie was a Sunday school teacher for 30 years and also taught and shared mission work with the ladies group. Last year her church family honored her for all her devotion by dedicating her favorite room at church in her name. Her church family has been very important to her thru the years. Elsie also spent many years donating her time with ARI of CT. She was part of a very busy fundraising group.
Elsie is survived by her daughters, Diane Samela , Kathryn Carretto and son-in-law Harold Fisher Jr. , Grandchildren, Joseph Samela, Christen Stein, Tracey Samela, Brendan Fisher and Melanie Holbrook. Her greatest joy were her great-grands, Madison, Jack, Michael, Rory, Bridget, Aubrey, Kayla, Nadia, Peyton, Colton and Kora. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and one brother in law, Rocky Santoro,
She was predeceased by Patsy Carretto in 2004. Also by her 6 sisters , Evelyn Vanech (George), Doris Bruno (August), Myrtle Kiesczkiewcz, (Daniel), Genevieve Zurzola, (Frank), Gloria Santoro, and Dorothy Crosta. Her son William Krowchuk in 1961 , daughter Patricia Fisher in 2019, son-in-law Joseph Samela in 2007.
Friends are invited to calling hours beginning Friday, July 19, 2024, 9:30am-11:30am. Services immediately following.at Stamford Baptist Church, 602 High Ridge Rd. Stamford, CT. 06905. Burial will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to either Stamford Baptist Church ,602 High Ridge Rd.,Stamford, CT. 06905 or ARI of CT. 174 Richmond Hill Ave., Stamford, CT. 06902.
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