Elizabeth L. Moore

New London - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth L. Moore of New London, on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, in the comfort of her loving family.

She was born on Sept. 29, 1934, in Brockton, Mass., the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Gutkowski) Patrick. She was a graduate of Brockton High School and attended Framingham State Teachers College and Hartford College for Women.

The essence of a person is hard to put into words. Elizabeth was an inspirational, independent, athletic and lively woman with a generous heart. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She lived life to the fullest.

Next to her family, Elizabeth's greatest enjoyment was in her world travels. People would always ask "Where is your Mother now?" She could be found trekking the Himalayas, observing penguins in Antarctica, tutoring students in English in parts of China, and bicycling through the mountains of Greece. No part of the world was too remote, or too exotic for her.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her loving husband of 23 years, Colvert "Cullie" E. Moore on Oct. 18, 1978.

While raising four children, Elizabeth worked alongside her husband in the businesses that they founded together, Eastern Chemical Service and Aardvark Termite Control. She was the only woman in the state of Connecticut to hold Pest Control licenses at the time.

Elizabeth was a member of the Second Congregational Church in New London. She was a corporator of New England Savings Bank, A trustee of Mitchell College for many years, and a member of Zonta International.

Elizabeth is survived by her sister, Lorraine Stanford and her husband, Dawson Heron, of Mass.; three daughters, Gwendolyn Basilica and her husband, Tony, of New London, Dianne Tanella and her husband, Dean, of Fla; Lynda Moore and her husband, Alex Woodle, of Groton, Mass.; a son, Wayne P. Moore and his wife, Chrys (Cone), of East Lyme; a stepdaughter, Claudia Field and her husband, Andy, of New Bern, N.C.; a stepson, Steven C. Moore of Taunton, Mass.; as well as sixteen grandchildren, Jessica Basilica-Larkie, Allison, Emily, and Anthony C. Basilica, Valerie and Julianne Tanella, Evangeline and Colvert Moore, Kyle, Andrea, Lindsey, and Haley Jenkins, Casey Hirschmann, and Steven, Christopher and Tracy Moore. She also had four great-grandchildren, Dominic, Giana, Antonio and Ryleigh. She is also survived by her traveling companion and dear friend Dr. James Derby.

A memorial service to celebrate Elizabeth's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at the Second Congregational Church, 45 Broad St., New London.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360, Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, 255 Hempstead St, New London, CT 06320 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, is assisting the family.