Obituary of Frances Mary Bukowy

Frances Mary Bukowy, 92, of Lakeland, FL, formerly a longtime resident of Glastonbury, CT, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Born December 31, 1921 in Hartford, CT to Dominic and Hazel Hill Ellard, she moved here in 2000 from Glastonbury, CT. Frances was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in WWII and received the WAAC Service ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal. She was a member of the VFW, and American Legion and also a member of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Glastonbury, CT. Frances worked as a business manager in a variety of companies. She loved animals, and was involved with Fidelco where she raised guide dogs, and participated in walks to raise awareness of the importance of service dogs. Frances relished the time with her kids and grandchildren. She embraced family holidays and took such joy in finding special treasures for all. Frances was a world traveler and trekked around the world with Joseph her husband and many of her friends. Foxwoods Casino be ready! Frances loved flower arranging. Special times spent with family creating different floral designs. In her later years, Frances spent time feeding her menagerie of birds, ducks, and turtles. She had a special bird, Francis Ibis" that she adopted. Animals always had a special place in her heart and home, in which she shared companionship and comfort. Special times with family and friends meant the world to Frances and gave her joy and happiness. She is preceded in death by: her parents and 2 brothers, Richard and James Ellard. She is survived by: a son, Richard Bukowy and his wife , Linda of Lakeland, FL; a daughter, Deborah Spencer of Lakeland, FL; a sister, Dorothy Merrill; her grandchildren, Steven Spencer, David Spencer, Tatiana (Mark) Lickliter, Tracy (Stephen Farina) Vaughan, Christian Bukowy and Kim (Joel) Buchanan; and her great-grandchildren, Adrian Vaughan, Bryson Buchanan and Lily Buchanan. A memorial service will be held at 4:30pm, Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 in the Lakeland Regional Medical Center Chapel. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Neipsic Cemetery in Glastonbury, CT. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in her memory to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT. 06002. Condolences may be sent at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.