Frances Mathews Nugent, 103

Frances Mathews Nugent of Hamden passed away in New London on Nov. 22, 2012 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York on Nov. 1, 1909 to Edward Gilbert Mathews and Estelle Smith Mathews. She was married to Donald Haight Nugent on June 26, 1929, who predeceased her in 1984. She was also predeceased by her son Donald H. (Ted) Nugent, Jr. and her brother Edward G. Mathews, Jr.

Frances is survived by her daughter Frances Carol Blackwood of Madison and her son Edward (Ronnie) Gilbert Nugent and his wife SuEllen of East Lyme. She is the proud grandmother of Sarah E. Nugent of Orland, ME, Catherine S. Nugent Lo and husband Richard of Portland ME, Edward H. Nugent and wife Diane of Monmouth ME, Timothy H. Nugent and wife Amy of Montgomery, Alabama, Donald (Chip) M. Nugent of Warren ME, Polly J. Nugent of Brooklyn, NY, David Muller and wife Kim, British Columbia, Canada, and Douglas M. Blackwood and wife Jenny of East Haven, CT, twelve great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Frances and Donald moved to Hamden in 1934, to the home she lived in until her death. She was active in community life, with membership in the Spring Glen Garden Club, the New Haven Lawn Club, the Pine Orchard Yacht Club, the Essex Yacht Club, and Church of the Redeemer and the New Haven Country Club, where she had been a member of the bowling team for more than 50 years. She was very proud of her membership in the Mary Clap Wooster Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Frances loved spending her summers at the shore in Madison, in the summer home that her grandfather built in the 1880s, and on her beloved Block Island. Frances was a member of the First Congregational Church of Madison and a past member of the Madison Beach Club. She was an avid vegetable gardener and loved to swim. Frances also enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and reading novels. Her favorite crafts were painting, pottery, and knitting.

One of Frances' great passions in life was her wonderful four-legged friends. She was never happier than when surrounded by her many dogs. Over her lifetime, she had many beloved pals, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She has always been a strong supporter of The Animal Haven, a no kill, not for profit Animal Shelter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Animal Haven, 89 Mill Rd., North Haven CT 06473,  www.theanimalhaven.com.

Services will be graveside at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.