Elsie Mae Frost

Elsie Mae (Lorenz) Frost, 84, of Simsbury, wife of James A. Frost, died Tuesday, (July 8, 2003) at her home. She was born May 5, 1919, in Perth Amboy, NJ, daughter of the late Herbert N. and Olive (Jones) Lorenz and lived in Oneonta, NY from 1947 to 1964. Later she lived in Albany, NY, and Simsbury. A month past her 18th birthday Mrs. Frost received her Bachelor of Science Degree from New College, Columbia University. Two years later she was awarded the Master's Degree by Teacher's College, Columbia University. At age 19 she signed her first contract as a teacher to instruct in the Briarcliff Manor School, Westchester County, NY. Throughout her lifetime she remained an advocate for children. During her years in Oneonta she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, served on the Girl Scout Board and on the 4H Club board. She was vice president of the United Way and became a trustee for the school district outside the city limits of Oneonta. It was largely through her efforts that a consolidated school district was formed and children living outside the city limits were bussed to the Oneonta Schools. With her life long friend, Clara Netzer, she took part in numerous activities to benefit the New York State University College at Oneonta. While living in Albany and Simsbury she continued her charitable works and served children in a variety of ways. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Frost is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Elise F. Alair and Patrick Alair, Janet F. and Victor Naleski, all of West Hartford; a sister, Eleanor L. Schneider of Ashland, VA; and four grandchildren, Olivia and Allyssa Alair and Julian and James Naleski, all of West Hartford. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 19 at the Avon Congregational Church, Main Street, Avon. Private burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Avon. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make a charitable contribution to the College at Oneonta Foundation for the Elsie Mae Lorenz Frost Endowed Scholarship. The mailing address is: College at Oneonta Foundation, 308 Netzer Administration Building, Oneonta, NY 13820. Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury has charge of arrangements.