Frances Erlichson, 60 years of age, of West Simsbury, died on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at her home after a long illness. Fran was born on October 21, 1952 in Bronx, New York to Bessie and Jack Erlichson. She attended Music and Art High School in New York, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973 from what is now Binghamton University and her Master of Fine Arts degree in 1977 from the University of Massachusetts. After completion of her graduate studies, Fran taught art and design at Smith College and Mount Holyoke College. During these years of teaching, she also worked closely with mentally handicapped children in Northampton, Massachusetts. In 1984, Fran decided to change course and pursue a legal career. In 1987, Fran graduated from Western New England College School of Law, and began work at Robinson & Cole in Hartford. From 1990 until 1995, Fran put her career on hold in order to devote herself full-time to her greatest love, raising her two children, Sam and Rachel. Once both children were in school, Fran returned part-time to the practice of law, working at area firms and the Connecticut Legislature. In 2003, she resumed her full-time legal practice, in-house at Executive Risk, and then at The Hartford.
Fran is survived by her two beloved children, Samuel and Rachel; her husband, Timothy McCarthy; her father Jack Erlichson; sister Miriam Erlichson; brother-in-law Thomas McCarthy and his wife Eleanor; her nephews, Liam and Flynn; aunt and uncle, Sarah and Sidney Glass; aunt Rose Cooper; and numerous cousins and friends.
A graveside funeral will be held at 12:00 noon, on Friday, November 9th at the Beth El Temple Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St, I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill 06067-3045. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Fran, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.
