Elsie Cecelia Gildersleeve

Elsie C. (Harrison) Gildersleeve 103, formerly of Fayetteville, N.Y., died peacefully at her daughter’s home where she was residing on Sunday, January 24, 2021. She was born in 1917 in North Branford, Ct., later moving to Bantam, Ct. where her family had a farm and a lumber mill. After graduating high school she attended Hartford Hospital School of Nursing, later enlisting in the U.S. Army in WW II, serving at a military base in Greenland. After discharge she returned to Bantam where she married Richard Gildersleeve and subsequently moved to Syracuse, N.Y. where he became a professor at Syracuse University. There she was an active member of the community working with the League of Women Voters and the Garden Club. She was also a member of the Syracuse Weavers Guild and the Syracuse Gem and Mineral Club. She spent her last years living with her youngest daughter, first in New Jersey and then moving with them to Wolfeboro, N.H. about 4 years ago. She loved moving back to New England as she was an avid walker and loved the outdoors. Even as she aged she continued to love walking, reading, drawing and gardening. She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Brown of Camillus, N.Y. and Sharon Smith of Wolfeboro, N.H. , her four grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. A private family graveside service will be held at the family plot in Bare Plains Cemetery North Branford, Ct, pending weather and pandemic precautions. Information can be obtained by emailing Sharonssmith@gmail.com. Condolences may be shared online at www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com