Frances "Gerry" Elliott Obituary (1925 - 2025)

Frances Geraldine “Gerry” (Bradley) Elliott passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, November 24, 2025 at Lakewood Continuing Care with her family by her side. Gerry was born in Brewer, ME, on January 20, 1925. The fourth and youngest child of William Frederick “Fred” Bradley and Mary Elizabeth “Molly” (Finnigan), she grew up in Bangor and graduated from John Bapst Memorial High School in 1943. Gerry met her future husband, Robert William “Bob” Elliott, Sr., while waiting for her bus to work at The Northeast Telephone & Telegraph Company. Bob was smitten and offered to walk her home after work. She turned him down—but he showed up every day, rain or shine, and one day she finally said yes. Bob and Gerry married on September 17, 1950, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor. They raised four children together and lived throughout New England, in Quincy, MA; Scarborough, ME; Cheshire, CT; and Waterville, ME. The family led an active life grounded in their faith and enriched by close friendships, always making room for neighbors—and the occasional stray dog or cat—in every community they called home. As a mother, Gerry was dedicated and loving. She carried the kind of tough Irish spirit that could weather any storm—and occasionally start one, if needed. As a grandmother, she was fun, encouraging, and never without her signature phrase, “Be still,” delivered whenever any of us got a little too spirited for her liking. After Bob’s passing, Gerry built a rich and full life anchored by faith, family, and friendship. She played cards with a competitive sparkle, kept a standing weekly lunch at Steve’s in Waterville with her girlfriends, and traveled the country to visit family—never missing a chance to stop in on a grandchild in college. She explored the world with her closest friends, collecting memories along the way. Through it all, she rarely missed a Saturday afternoon Mass, carrying her faith with her wherever she went. Her happiest hours were those spent with family. She faced life with a bright and positive outlook that lifted everyone around her, and she leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, gratitude, and grace. It’s hard to imagine the world without her in it. Gerry is predeceased by her parents, Fred and Molly, her husband Bob of 39 years, her son James Edward “Jimmy” Elliott, her sister Catherine Elizabeth “Betty” (Bradley) McKusick, and her two brothers, John Frederick Bradley, and William Robert Bradley. She is survived by her sons, Robert William Elliott, Jr. and his wife Laura (Bradley) of Cheshire, CT, and Richard Andrew Elliott and his partner Blakely Goodwin of Topsham, ME, and her daughter Elizabeth Ann “Libby” (Elliott) Willett and her husband Garry of Oakland, ME. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Katherine (Elliott) Coleman and her husband Conor of Fairfield, CT, Jamie Willett and his wife Barbara of Vassalboro, ME, Tricia (Elliott) MacMillan and her husband Greg of Winter Garden, FL and Eric Willett and his wife Amber of Winslow, ME. Her seven great grandchildren were particularly lucky to know and love and have the time to know their great grandmother. Trey Bradley Haynes, Griffith Lee Haynes, Reid Gerald Willett, Sophie Ann Willett, Elliott Jane Coleman, Cameron John Willett, and Nolan Thomas Willett will miss her dearly. Her bright, optimistic spirit will continue to shape their lives for decades to come. The family would like to thank the staff at Lakewood Continuing Care and Northern Light Hospice. A service will be held in the spring at St. Francis Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry’s name to Maine Children’s Home in Waterville: Maine Children’s Home Attn: Development 93 Silver Street Waterville, ME 04901 https://www.mainechildrenshome.org/