Obituary of Frances Pechie
Frances E. Pechie, 103, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2026, in E. Killingly, CT, surrounded by her family.
She was born in E. Killingly in 1922 to Ivar P. Elfgren and Anna Larson. She lived in E. Killingly until her family relocated to Rutland, VT, returning in 1939. Frances completed her education in Killingly, graduating with the Killingly High School Class of 1940. After finishing school, she worked at Acme Cotton, manufacturing bandages for WWII.
After marrying her late husband, Robert A. Pechie, the couple settled in E. Killingly, where they raised their four children: Joanne Franklin, Suzanne Lemoine, Gerald Pechie, and Robert Pechie Jr. Frances was a devoted mother and also assisted her husband in operating the Pechie Market. Once her children were grown, she became a CNA and worked at Westview and Matulaitis Nursing Homes until her retirement in 1990.
Frances was deeply committed to her community. She was active in many organizations, including the Ladies Auxiliary VFW #4908 and several Senior Citizens groups. Her strong faith guided her throughout her life, and she was a communicant of St. James Church.
Proud of her Swedish heritage, Frances expressed her love through cooking, often preparing her favorite traditional dishes. She welcomed everyone with a warm smile and a kind word, and her unexpected humor continued to brighten moments even in her later years.
She loved to entertain, whether at home or at the family’s beloved cottage on Old Killingly Pond. Her door was always open, and she created countless cherished memories with family and friends. She would swim out to the Island from her cottage on Old Killingly Pond from Memorial Day till Labor Day.
Frances had a lifelong passion for the performing arts. She enjoyed live performances and shared her beautiful voice, singing solos in school plays. Throughout her life, she could often be found singing and humming along to her record player. She also loved square dancing with her husband and friends and appreciated many styles of music, especially Bluegrass.
An outdoor enthusiast, Frances enjoyed ice skating, skiing, swimming, sledding, gardening, and birdwatching and was fortunate to travel to many destinations with Robert. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother whose love and presence will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her children Joanne Franklin and her fiancé Fred Entwistle, Suzanne Lemoine and her husband James, Gerald Pechie and his wife Stacy and Robert Pechie, Jr.; her grandchildren Benjamin Franklin and his fiancé Kathy Leary, Daniel Frankilin, Michelle Smith and her husband Harold, Angela Lemoine and her husband William Greenlaw and David Pechie and his wife Lina; her great grandchildren Alexander Franklin, Joseph Franklin and his wife Sally, Mary Hannah Tatro and her husband Andrew, Sophia Franklin and fiancé Joel Valdez, Lilli Franklin, Alexis Smith, Mason Smith, Taylyn Lemoine and Mariana Pechie. Also her many nieces and nephews.
Frances was predeceased by her husband Robert A. Pechie; her three brothers Ralph Elfgren, Arthur Elfgren and Ernest Elfgren and her one sister Hildur Bartlette-Weeden.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Church, Danielson, CT, on April 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery Dayville, CT and a reception at the E. Killingly Firehouse. Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com