Elizabeth Frances Gildea, 95, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family

Elizabeth Frances Gildea, 95, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 while surrounded by her loving family. Known to those close to her as “Fran”, she was born on February 22, 1930, in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland to the late Martin “Judd” Traynor and Winifred “Una” Traynor. Fran was a current resident of Milford, CT but was also a longtime resident of Toms River, NJ and Sayville, Long Island.

Fran met the love of her life, James “Jim” Gildea, and the two were married in a beautiful church ceremony in 1961. She often fondly recalled their years living in Sayville, Long Island, raising their three children, calling it the happiest time of her life. Fran treasured being close to her sisters, with whom she frequently gathered to talk, laugh, and share life’s moments.

Although she worked for ten years at Danbury Hospital as a dietary aide, Fran’s true calling was being a devoted wife, mother, and later, a proud grandmother. A dedicated matriarch, she never missed a chance to show up for her children’s or grandchildren’s special events, always offering her warm and comforting embrace.

Fran had a deep and steady faith in God and was known for her kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit. That strength was most evident in the loving care she provided to her husband during his final years, a devotion that allowed him the blessing of meeting all of his grandchildren.

In her free time, Fran enjoyed playing bingo and bocce, was a proud member of the Toms River Irish Club, and loved walking the boardwalk and spending peaceful days by the beach. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and family devotion, and she now looks forward to being reunited in heaven with her beloved Jim.

Fran is survived by her three beloved children: James F. Gildea Jr. (Lucia), Stephen M. Gildea (Ann), and Susan A. Ardolino (Louis). Five grandchildren: Katie Thompson (Patrick), Christine Gildea, Luke Ardolino, Lauren Ardolino, and Colleen Ardolino. As well as her great granddaughter Riley, sister Josephine Traynor, and many beloved family and friends. In addition to her husband Jim, she is predeceased by her siblings Mary, Patrick, Pascal, Gerry, Willy, Bea, and Terry.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford, with a Prayer Service to begin at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 130 St Maximilian Ln, Toms River, New Jersey 08757 (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, New Jersey 08562

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com