Obituary of Elizabeth Marie Pfriem

Elizabeth Marie Pfriem, devoted wife of the late John Pfriem, retired President and CEO of the Bridgeport Post and Telegram, and local philanthropist, passed away peacefully in her Southport home on Sunday, April 2, 2017. Elizabeth will be remembered by her family including nieces and nephews, Linda Hultgren of Ansonia, Frank Coterwas of Nottingham, PA, Frances Towne of Derby, Patricia Crespi of Rotondo West, FL, Edward Cotter, Jr. of Venice, FL, and their families; step-daughter, Leslie Pfriem, and her daughter Rachael, of Kansas City, MO; cousin and dear friend, Rosemarie Adams, and her family, of West Hartford. In addition to her beloved husband John, Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Teofil and Marie Golembeski Coterwas, two brothers, Frank Coterwas, Edward Cotter and niece, Pamela Cotter. Her memory will also be embraced by her longtime friends including Earl and Darlene Shook, Debbie Fiore, Thomas Hughes, and Krystyna Kozlowski, as well as, her primary physician and friend, Dr. Adrian Dafcik and his wife Lynn, and her home caregivers, Grace Urbanski, Jenny Kusiak, and Maggie Wojtysko. Her family is most thankful for the kindness and comfort each provided to Elizabeth. Born and raised in Scranton, PA, Elizabeth moved to Bridgeport at the end of World War II. She worked for the Bridgeport Post, where she met her late husband John. After their marriage, they resided in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport before settling in Southport. As a couple, John and Elizabeth enjoyed sailing on Long Island Sound, dancing, and attending musical events, and were especially fond of Greater Bridgeport Symphony concerts at the Klein Memorial and Fairfield University. She loved Bridgeport, and was honored to serve as the city's first woman Barnum Festival Ringmaster. Truly a woman for others, she generously supported many community minded organizations with her time and talent. She found great joy reading to young Bridgeport school students, serving on local Not for Profit Boards, and helping to raise funds essential for expanding local healthcare. Elizabeth actively dedicated herself to making this community a better place for all to live. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11 AM in the United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Her entombment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. All other services will be private. Memorial contributions may be directed to: The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation c/o: Anthony V. Montalto- Trustee, 800 Westchester Avenue (suite N-641), Ryebrook, NY 10573. For travel directions, or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com