Elizabeth Briggs French

On the early evening of Saturday, November 29, 2025, our beloved Elizabeth (Liz) Briggs Heilig French passed away with her husband by her side, holding her hand, after a long and courageous battle with illness. She faced her journey with strength, determination, and her signature quiet toughness—always continuing to care deeply for those around her.

Even while in the hospital, Elizabeth marked two very special milestones with grace and love: her 72nd birthday on November 15, 2025, and her 53rd wedding anniversary on November 25, 2025, both celebrated in the company of those she loved most.

Born on November 15, 1953, in New York City to Natalie Heilig, Liz spent the majority of her childhood in East Lyme. Liz often recalled with a smile some of her fondest memories, growing up on Scott Road with Roberta and William Kowalski and family, who she affectionately referred to as “Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Willy”.

After graduating from East Lyme High School in 1972, at just eighteen years old, Elizabeth married the love of her life, Andrew Leighton French of Niantic. On November 25, 1972, in a ceremony officiated by the late Reverend Allen Scott Senior, they were joined in unity at Flanders Baptist and Community Church. Their commitment to each other has been an inspiring example of enduring love—supporting one another through every joy and every heartache.

Their life together began in Willimantic, Connecticut, where they welcomed their first child, Kristin Elizabeth French, on October 13, 1974. In 1976, they returned to Niantic to continue growing their family, and on October 12, 1979, their son, Andrew Leighton French II, was born. For 53 beautiful years, Liz and Andy shared a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to each other.

Elizabeth had a lifelong gift for connecting with people. Whether she was with her grandchildren, students, extended family, or her children’s friends, she made everyone feel important, safe, and loved. Her infectious smile, contagious laugh, and spunky sense of humor brought joy and comfort to all who knew her.

At home, Liz delighted in the simple pleasures that fueled her creativity and curiosity: sewing, crafting, reading, playing cards, baking with her friends, and tackling her beloved word games—always keeping her hands busy and her mind sharp. She had a special love for taking photos, capturing the precious moments in her life and the lives of others, and sharing them generously.

Liz enjoyed a fulfilling 40-year career in education, working as a paraeducator and tutor across the Waterford, East Lyme, and Montville school systems. Whether teaching sign language to students who were hearing impaired, supporting children with exceptionalities, or helping families from diverse cultures in Language Learner classrooms, Liz had a gift for recognizing the talents and abilities in every child. She was deeply passionate about helping students feel confident and valued, guiding them to reach their fullest potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Liz cherished the community of East Lyme, where she grew up, raised her family, and formed lifelong friendships that sustained her through every season. Liz made it a point to be deeply involved in her children's education and activities at all levels of their schooling. Liz was heavily involved and devoted to the Flanders Baptist and Community Church serving as a Sunday School Teacher and youth group leader for her children over the years. Liz devoted countless hours to supporting local education and youth programs. She helped organize school talent shows, coordinated Veterans and Memorial Day events, worked closely with the Board of Education, and contributed to beloved local activities like the beach dances at McCook’s Park. Her commitment to East Lyme and its youth remains one of her lasting legacies. From the years she spent raising her children to the peaceful afternoons she spent reading at McCook’s Beach, the waves sparkling before her, East Lyme was the place where her heart felt most at home.

For the last fifteen years, Elizabeth took on her most treasured role—that of Grandmother. Her four grandchildren, Riley, Drew, Carter, and Kai, were the absolute apples of her eye (and occasionally the cause of her hilarious exasperation). She couldn’t mention any of them without lighting up, proudly sharing updates about their sports, activities, or the latest story that had her laughing so hard she could barely get the words out. Whether it was a goofy game, a sideways comment, or a moment of pure kid logic, Liz collected these stories like treasures. Her love, devotion, and joyful presence will be a part of them forever—and we’re certain she’s still chuckling over their antics from above.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her warmth, quick wit, quiet strength, and open heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and kindness that will live on through all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Kristin Elizabeth French. It brings comfort to know that she is now reunited with her daughter in heaven, embraced once again in eternal peace and love.

In addition, Elizabeth was predeceased by her children’s godmother, the Reverend Dr. Cynthia Taylor Morse; and other cherished extended family members who held a special place in her heart.

Liz’s memory is carried on by her husband, affectionately known as “Big A,” and her son, “Little A,” along with his wife, Andrea—her beloved built-in support team. She is also remembered with love by her four Grandson’s, Riley, Drew, Carter, and Kai, who always kept her laughing and delightfully mischievous. Liz leaves behind her cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and The Reverend Carolyn Stevenson, as well as countless friends who, in her eyes, were never just friends, but the family she joyfully gathered along the way.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., at Flanders Baptist and Community Church at 162 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. also at Flanders Baptist and Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Flanders Baptist and Community Church in Elizabeth’s honor.