Frances Geffen

GEFFEN Frances Geffen, age 86, of Trumbull, died Wednesday, September 21, 2005, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer, at Connecticut Hospice of Branford. Mrs. Geffen was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., a daughter of the late Al and Cyd (Katz) Avram. Frances graduated from Hunter College at the young age of 18 where she majored in education and minored in modern dance. In 1958, she attended Hofstra University toward a master's in education and was hired by the Oceanside Public Schools, Oceanside, N.Y. She taught mostly third and fourth grade for more than 20 years before her retirement and was adored by her students. Because of her outstanding teaching abilities, she was selected by the principal to teach an experimental combination third and fourth grade class for high-achieving students. After her husband's death in 1974, she met her companion for the next seven years, Ed Stern, who was a principal at Ditmas Jr. High School in Brooklyn. They had a home in Brooklyn and East Hampton, where she retired after his death in 1984. Always active, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a substitute teacher in the Bridgehampton Public Schools. She was elected Woman-of-the-Year by the East Hampton Hadassah for her outstanding work for that organization. She remained secretary of Hadassah for many years until she moved to Spring Meadows in Trumbull, to be near her daughter, Bonnie and her grandchildren. She was elected to be the secretary of the Spring Meadow's resident's group and continued in that position until forced to retire because of illness. She is survived by her loving daughter; son-in-law; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her sister. Adjectives to describe Fran are intelligent, kind, wise, compassionate, vivacious, with a great sense of humor. Mrs. Geffen was predeceased by her husband, Perry Geffen; and a daughter, Joan Friedman. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Ashman and her husband, Arthur, of Westport; her grandchildren, Sara Ashman, Peter Ashman, William Ashman, Robert Friedman and Elaine Friedman; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Arlene Lane of Florida. Services were held Sunday September 25, 2005, in New Montefiore Cemetery in Pinelawn, N.Y. The Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.