Elsa W. Crane

January 1, 1915 – July 26, 2017

Elsa Wilhemina Crane (née Koehler) was born on January 1st, 1915 in Stamford CT. She is predeceased by her parents Emily and Emil Koehler who emigrated from Germany. She is also predeceased by her siblings, John Koehler, Arthur Koehler, and Polly Esposito.

Elsa is survived by her four children, Charles (Chick) Griebel of Bethel, CT and his wife Beth Campbell; Gretchen Hyde and husband Larry of MA; Elsa Pepe of New Haven, CT; and Elizabeth Butler of Washington state. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews. What an amazing legacy she has left!

Elsa got her R.N. License in 1936 at the age of 21. She was a dedicated nurse at Stamford Hospital for many years. It's amazing what she has witnessed in 102 years! She got her driver’s license right after graduating from nursing school and continued driving until she was 101. In her later years, Elsa loved quilting, crocheting, and knitting at the Bethel Senior Center and at home. She loved crossword puzzles and her garden. She especially enjoyed her trips to town to get her hair done with her friends at In Style and her shopping trips to Caraluzzi's in Bethel. Thanks to all who were so friendly to her in our town!

Despite having both hips replaced many years ago due to the rigors of her nursing profession, she continued to play golf into her early 90's. At her 100th birthday celebration with friends and family, she blew out 98 of the 100 candles with one breath!

Nana, as all our little ones referred to her, always had a candy bowl they could raid. She was a faithful servant of God and said her prayers morning and night. We will miss and love you forever and thank you for the lessons you taught. You were a beautiful woman inside and out.

Thanks to Regional Hospice of Western Ct for their very warm and helpful care her last days. Donations can be made to www.regionalhospicect.org.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, CT, Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Route 302 in Bethel, Monday morning at 11:30 AM.

 Service Information