Betsey Frumin

1941 - 2024

Betsey Rae Frumin (nee Swire) died peacefully with family by her side on July 31, after a second battle with cancer. She was 82 years old. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on August 27, 1941, to Esther and Max Swire, Betsey and her sister Beryl grew up in Bridgeport and both attended Skidmore College, where Betsey majored in mathematics. After graduation, Betsey was a computer programmer for American Electric Power in New York City. Betsey met Arnold Frumin on a blind date in 1963 and they were married in September 1965. Initially living in Brooklyn, the couple eventually settled in Greenwich, CT in 1969. Betsey and Arnold raised three children: Gregory, Kenneth and Amy.

Family was always Betsey's primary focus. She was a loving, kind and adventurous wife, mother and grandmother. In addition to being the heart and soul of the many family businesses, Betsey was an engaged and thoughtful listener with sparkling blue eyes and an infectious smile. She cared deeply for her family and her friends, even while interrogating them with her boundless curiosity. Betsey was willing to engage her sharp, insightful mind on any subject or issue. She had a sense of style all her own. She cared not what others thought of her jewelry, shoes, scarves or broaches and pins. If they were interesting or she found them "fun," she wore them proudly. She loved all animals and had many, many amazing dogs throughout her life (though thankfully only one at a time). Betsey was obsessed with training her dogs and in fact learned to throw a frisbee in her late 70s as part of dog agility training. She also had birds, ferrets, cats, and a bunny. We are certain that she is happily playing with all of them in heaven at this very moment.

When she volunteered, she did so with gusto - always giving 100%. She was active in her children's lives and schools, participating in the PTAs at Glenville School, Brunswick, Greenwich Country Day and Greenwich High School, where she was the PTA president. She also volunteered for Kids in Crisis, Hotline and the Red Cross. Betsey spent a great deal of time working with and volunteering at the Port Chester Obedience Training Club (for dogs, not husbands). She was also a proud elected member of the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting (RTM) where she served for many years in the 1980's and 1990's and then again for the past many years when she served as the chair of District 9.

Betsey was predeceased by her parents Max and Esther Swire and her sister Beryl Novitch. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 59 years, Arnold, three children, and nine grandchildren: Gregory and his wife Audra (Greenwich, CT) and their three children: Alexandra, Joshua and Cole; Kenneth and his wife Michelle (Galisteo, NM) and their three children: Chandler (and her wife Kate), Remy and Drew; and Amy (St. Petersburg, FL) and her three children: Annapurna, Serafina and Bowen.

The family is devastated that she is gone but hope you will join them on August 24th at their home on 53 Shady Lane, Greenwich, CT 06831 at 2 pm to celebrate her wonderful life.