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Elizabeth Pfriem Obituary
Elizabeth Marie Pfriem, devoted wife of the late John Pfriem, retired President and CEO of the Bridgeport Post and Telegram, and local philanthropist, passed away peacefully in her Southport home on Sunday, April 2, 2017.
In addition to her beloved husband John, Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Teofil and Marie Golembeski Coterwas, two brothers, Frank Coterwas, Edward Cotter and niece, Pamela Cotter. Elizabeth will be remembered by her family including nieces and nephews, Linda Hultgren of Ansonia, Frank Coterwas of Nottingham, PA, Frances Towne of Derby, Patricia Crespi of Rotondo West, FL, Edward Cotter, Jr. of Venice, FL, and their families; step-daughter, Leslie Pfriem, and her daughter Rachael, of Kansas City, MO; cousin and dear friend, Rosemarie Adams, and her family, of West Hartford.
Her memory will also be embraced by her longtime friends including Earl and Darlene Shook, Debbie Fiore,Thomas Hughes, and Krystyna Kozlowski, as well as, her primary physician and friend, Dr. Adrian Dafcik and his wife Lynn, and her home caregivers, Grace Urbanski, Jenny Kusiak, and Maggie Wojtysko. Her family is most thankful for the kindness and comfort each provided to Elizabeth.
Born and raised in Scranton, PA, Elizabeth moved to Bridgeport at the end of World War II. She worked for the Bridgeport Post, where she met her late husband John. After their marriage, they resided in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport before settling in Southport. As a couple, John and Elizabeth enjoyed sailing on Long Island Sound, dancing, and attending musical events, and were especially fond of Greater Bridgeport Symphony concerts at the Klein Memorial and Fairfield University. She loved Bridgeport, and was honored to serve as the city's first woman Barnum Festival Ringmaster.
Truly a woman for others, she generously supported many community minded organizations with her time and talent. She found great joy reading to young Bridgeport school students, serving on local Not for Profit Boards, and helping to raise funds essential for expanding local healthcare. Elizabeth actively dedicated herself to making this community a better place for all to live.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Her entombment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. All other services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be directed to: The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation c/o: Anthony V. Montalto- Trustee, 800 Westchester Avenue (suite N-641), Ryebrook, NY 10573.
For travel directions, or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Pfriem
Earl and Darlene Shook
April 2, 2022
Elizabeth and her cousin Rosemarie Adams, (those two were much more like sisters!!), always watched UCONN Women's Basketball talking on their phones but watching their own TV's!!
When Mrs. Pfriem passed five years ago, I being a fan of UCONN Women's Basketball, began calling Rosemarie before & after the games and it became fun routine!!! Nothing can replace Elizabeth, but our little routine keeps her memory alive and well in our hearts and minds!!! Earl & Darlene Shook
Elizabeth Rodriguez caregiver
June 23, 2017
Rest in peace and the best best to your cat casmo.
Maria Wolf
May 4, 2017
To the family and friends of Elizabeth Pfriem, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I send my sincere condolences. It was an honor to work for you. You will always have a special place in my heart. Love,
May 4, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth. It was an honor to work for her. She was a special lady and will always have a special place in my heart. Love, Maria Wolf
jenny kusiak
April 18, 2017
It's very hard to say goodbye to a wonderful person like Mrs. Elizabeth Pfriem. to her family and friends.
I am very sorry for your loss. may she Rest IN Peace.
Patricia Cotter Crespi
April 18, 2017
Dear Aunt Betty, You were my role model, my beloved Aunt and Godmother and best friend. I will love you and remember you always. Till we meet again..Tunie
Grace Urbanski
April 17, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Elizabeth Pfriem. I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. My heart goes out to you during this trying time and may my prayers serve as comfort to you and your loved ones. We are blessed to have known a person like her. She was a woman of strength and exemplary deeds. So long Mrs. Pfriem, so long.
Stacey Morgan
April 14, 2017
May you rest in peace dear lady, thanks for your work and dedication to the community.
Rose Gring (zukowski)
April 11, 2017
The family find peace and God at this time of need this woman was so significantly known and I am so proud to have been part of this family I feel for everyone involved and may God bless her and may she rest in peace
Team at Euro-American Connections & Homecare
April 10, 2017
It was a great honor to provide our services to Elizabeth Pfriem. She is an amazing inspiration for all of us. Sending deepest condolences to the family and close friends. Sincerely
Susan Sperry
April 7, 2017
Dear Leslie,
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sacred Heart University
April 7, 2017
IN MEMORY OF Elizabeth M. Pfriem
The Sacred Heart University community mourns the loss of Elizabeth M. Pfriem, a longtime friend, who always quietly and generously supported the University. In the spirit of Sacred Heart, Elizabeth M. Pfriem was a true pioneerthe first and only female ringmaster of the City of Bridgeport's annual Barnum Festival. She will remain a special member of our community, and we send thoughts and prayers out to her family and friends.
Maggie Malgorzata Wojtysko
April 7, 2017
I want to send my condolences to all the relatives of Mrs Elizabeth M. Pfriem. I will forever remember with gratitude her lovely personality and kindness. Best regards, Maggie Wojtysko - Caregiver
Nancey Morgan
April 7, 2017
To the family of Elizabeth Pfriem,
I am very sorry for your loss, she was a very kind, giving and loving person. To her longtime friend and my sister, Debbie Fiore, I know the sorrow that is in your heart. I pray that God will give you all peace healing and wonderful memories.
With sorrow,
Nancey Morgan
Oxford, CT
Robert Francis
April 7, 2017
Dear Family of Elizabeth Pfriem -- We have lost a great gift to the Bridgeport community. In addition to her support of RYASAP through the best and worst of times, it was only a small part in what she did for so many in her beloved Bridgeport. Betty was a rare and special philanthropist in that she never sought credit for any of her work. When she helped us move into our space in the Burroughs Community Center 17 years ago she wouldn't even let us name a conference room in her memory. Betty -- We all thank you for all the good you brought to so many!
Karen Brown
April 6, 2017
Amy Crespi-
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
April 6, 2017
For 8 years I was co-chairperson along with Pat Oburchay of the Thanksgiving Day Feast at United Congregational Church. Ms. Pfriem was never to busy to personally take my calls and each year gave generously in support of the Feast. She was a very exceptional
person. Dee Wust Forman
Debbi Fiore
April 6, 2017
My Dearest Elizabeth,
It so very hard to say the words for someone who has helped so many including me. You were a angel then, and surely a angel now. I know you received one of the largest sets of wings the lord could provide - My vision - a beautiful person in long green gown with sparkling golden wings. The heavens are so bright now - you shine as always. Rest now and enjoy your return to our Father, Family and Friends. God Bless You - I Miss you so much - Love Debbi Fiore
Debbi Fiore
April 6, 2017
My Dearest Elizabeth,
It so very hard to say the words for someone who has helped so many including me. You were a angel then, and surely a angel now. I know you received one of the largest sets of wings the lord could provide - My vision - a beautiful person in long green gown with sparkling golden wings. The heavens are so bright now - you shine as always. Rest now and enjoy your return to our Father, Family and Friends. God Bless You - I Miss you so much - Love Debbi Fiore
Earl & Darlene Shook
April 6, 2017
The most generous and caring lady in the WORLD!!! Our Dear Friend will be greatly missed.
Elaine B
April 6, 2017
Family of Mrs. Pfriem, We in the Bridgeport Area are most grateful to Mrs. Pfriem for her generosity. She will long be remembered and missed. We are sorry for your loss as well as our loss.
Tom Kelly
April 6, 2017
A tip of the Top Hat on a life well lived and served.
Colleen Murphy
April 5, 2017
Dear Family of Elizabeth Pfriem, Please accept our sincere condolences. Ms Pfriem has been a incredibly generous supporter of the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival and all the many charities we have supported over the years. We are so grateful to have known such a wonderful and caring person who has been so kind to so many in our community. God Bless you all in this difficult time of loss. Best regards, Colleen Murphy FCTF Board President
The Staff of Lesko-Polke Funeral Home
April 6, 2017
Offering our sympathies at this time.
Ed & Cathy Cotter
April 5, 2017
Loving memories of an extraordinary woman.
Morgan OBRIEN
April 5, 2017
A wonderful human being and a great loss for the community. Simone and I had the priveledge of knowing and serving her and late husband John for many years. With great memories , she will remain with us forever. Love Morgan & Simone OBrien
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