Elsie Mildred McGregor, 88, of Branford, died March 1 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. She was the wife of 58 years to the late Robert McGregor. She was born on Nov. 1, 1922 in Fort Edward, New York, daughter of the late Francis and Helen Robinson.  A graduate of Fort Edward High School, she was valedictorian of the class of 1940.  Elsie graduated in 1944 from what is now the State University of New York – Plattsburgh with a BS degree in home economics.  She taught in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and married Robert after he returned from Europe following World War II.  They moved to Wallingford in 1949 where she was active in the Junior Women’s Club and the American Red Cross, served on the Library Board, and was active in the town’s American Field Service chapter.

In 1979, the family moved to Branford. Her active life in Branford included being a volunteer for the Homemaker’s Thrift Shop and a member of the Branford Garden Club.

Elsie is survived by her sister, Janet Leonelli of South Glens Falls, New York; her son Bruce and his wife Janice of Chicago, Illinois; her daughter, Linda Garber and her husband Lee of Branford;, and her grandchildren, Dr. Seth Garber and his wife Trish of Washington, D.C., and Sarah Garber of Bantam.  She was predeceased by her daughter Leslie; her brothers, Robert and Bruce; and her sisters, Mary Robinson and Nancy Nichols.  

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405; the Homemaker’s Thrift Shop, 79 Maple St., Branford, CT  06405; VNA Community Health Care, 1347 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT 06437; or the American Red Cross, 703 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT 06511.  The Keenan Funeral Home, North Branford, is in charge of arrangements.  Those wishing to express words of condolence online may do so at www.keenanfuneralhome.com