STAMFORD, CT – Else Thomsen Fragasso Gorey, 78, of Stamford, CT died on April 10, 2012 after an extended illness. Born January 21, 1934, she was the youngest of two daughters. Her sister Bente Thomsen Grinbergs lives in Sydney, Australia. She was predeceased by her parents Marie Nikoline Thomsen and Erik Theodor Thomsen. Else’s beloved husband Thomas J. Gorey Jr. passed away on March 8, 2012.
Else grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark. She immigrated to the USA arriving at Ellis Island in 193, eventually settling in Stamford. Else married the late Michael C. Fragasso, raising three children and working at Conde Nast and the Dorr-Oliver Corp. for many years.
Else leaves behind son, Michael Fragasso or Norwalk, CT; daughter Lona Kirk of Avon, CT, her husband Randy and grandchildren Randy, Eric, and Geoffrey Kirk. Also daughter Cindy Moore of Southborough, MA and her husband Jim and grandchildren Nicole Grdinich, Taylor, Anthony and Gemma. Else is also survived by her stepsons Thomas E. Gorey of Portchester, NY, William J. Gorey of Stamford and his sons Sean, Matt and Trey; and stepson Michael Gorey and his wife Lorri of Ortley Beach, NJ and their children Allison and Paul Genegrasso; and Else’s stepdaughter Susan Gorey-Paddock of Sherman, CT and her daughters Nicole, Michaela and McKenzie. She is also survived by niece Lone Kabriel of Calgary, Canada and nephew Ole Hintz of Australia.
Else was a talented artist, specializing in beautiful watercolor paintings. For over thirty years, Else and Tom traveled along the Eastern coast exhibiting her artwork at outdoor art shows and galleries. Hundreds of her original paintings are now permanent fixtures in many homes, offices and galleries in the USA and abroad.
Else and Tom enjoyed countless summers on the shores of Block Island, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Nantucket and Maine. They enjoyed many trips abroad, most importantly returning to Else’s home town of Copenhagen after thirty years away.
Else always appreciated the beauty in nature, inspiring others to enjoy as well, and brought nature to life in her paintings. Else will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a fabulous cook, seamstress, avid flower gardener and quick to smile and laugh. Her many holiday dinners and get togethers will never be forgotten. Else loved the beach, sand dunes and flowers.
A Prayer Service will be held at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Saturday April 14th, 2012 at 12:00 PM and then process to the Queen of Peace Cemetery, Stamford. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Saturday, April 14th, 2012 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM. For online condolences please visit www.Cognetta.com.
(Obituary courtesy of Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory)
