Elizabeth Ann Welch

Former Newtown Resident

Elizabeth Ann Welch, 93, died December 3, in Poway, Calif., surrounded by her daughters, Patricia Welch of New Milford, Elissa Joan Cassella and Faye Welch of Ramona, Calif., and June Welch of Redding, Calif. She was born in Dallas, Texas, June 12, 1916.

Mrs Welch resided in Newtown for many years and was active in the Senior Center. For the past few years, she resided at The Heritage in Concord, Calif., and most recently, the Poway Health Care Center in order to be closer to her family.

 A native of Texas, she moved to California as a young woman in 1941 to marry the love of her life, Edgar Earl Welch, on Pearl Harbor Day. She worked for the Department of Agriculture during World War II and, with her husband, owned the E.E. Welch Farms in Fresno, Calif., raising prize-winning registered Guernseys.

 After Mr Welch died in 1969, she spent most of her time as a mother supporting the interests of her daughters in marching in drill teams, color guards, and drum & bugle corps. She loved being on tour and enjoyed the time she spent with all of “her kids” — of all races and backgrounds — loving and caring for all with her famous bottle of throat spray. While residing in Stockton, she was the administrative assistant for the Council on Aging.

 After retiring, Elizabeth lived a variety of places with her daughter Pat. She adored her new experiences and used them to keep herself young at heart.

She is loved and survived by her four daughters and their spouses; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. “Mom was truly a precious gift to us all — kind, loving, nurturing, and the best mother anyone could have. Her Southern grace, charm, and sweet nature truly were wonders. We hope to live up to her example,” said her daughters.

An internment of her ashes will be celebrated in the late spring of 2010, in Northern California.

Donations in her memory may be made to The Elizabeth Hospice, 150 West Crest Street, Escondido CA 92025.

The Newtown Bee       December 18, 2009