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Frances (Dembo) Segal, 104, died peacefully on Friday April 11, 2014 in Manchester, CT. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Dr. Jacob Alden Segal. She was born August 11, 1909 in Danielson, CT to Henry and Bella (Herman) Dembo. She graduated from Norwich Free Academy at the age of 16 in 1926 and earned a degree in Business from Bryant College in 1928.
During her marriage to Jacob, Frances ran her home, her husband’s office and still found time to act as President of her children’s PTA and to become President of Temple Beth Sholom’s Sisterhood.
Following her husband’s death in 1970, Frances was an adventurous world traveler, travelling to China, Egypt, Israel and several European countries. In her spare time she spent many hours playing the piano to the delight of her family and friends.
After several years of travel Frances suffered a heart attack and was unable to travel. At the insistence of her daughter-in-law she enrolled in Manchester Community College. At the age of 85 she became the oldest student at Manchester Community College to earn an Associate Degree.While a student she was honored to receive the President’s Award as well as the Trustees Merit Award. Receiving her Associate Degree did not deter her thirst for knowledge. She continued to audit courses until age 103, and while a member of a senior citizen’s writing group she authored three books; “Reflections of a 98 Year Old Late Bloomer”; “My First 100 Years”; and “My Family Then and Now”.
She is survived by her son Dr. Robert J. Segal and his wife Barbara from Lakewood Ranch, Florida and her son Joseph F. Segal and his wife Barbara from East Lyme, CT. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Rebecca, Mark, Jennifer, and Robin and great grandchildren Spencer, Mitchell, Maya and Lila. She is also survived by her niece Deb Dembo of Chester, CT. She was predeceased by her brother Dr, Joseph C. Dembo of Groton, CT.
While a student at Manchester Community College Frances came to admire the single working mothers who were struggling to improve their lot in life. Wanting to help she established a scholarship fund to assist these women in purchasing their books. For the past twenty years students have benefitted from the Frances Segal Book Award.
Graveside services will be observed at 11:00am, Monday April 14 at Beth Sholom Memorial Park, Autumn Street, Manchester, CT. Family will be receiving guests at the home of Barbara and Joseph Segal following the service at 21 Sunrise Trail, East Lyme, CT until 5:00 pm.
Donations in France’s memory may be made to: The Frances Segal Book Fund: MCC Foundation, Great Path, Mail Stop #6 Manchester, CT 06040 or Temple Beth Sholom: 400 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT.
