Frances Chartoff, 101, of Hamden, CT, died August 25, 2025. She was a beloved longtime resident of Whitney Center in Hamden, befriending many of the staff and residents over the years. Born April 18, 1924 in New Haven, CT, Frances enjoyed friendships with people of all ages and backgrounds. As a very bright child, she skipped second grade and entertained school groups, sang in talent shows, and nursing homes. This love of music and singing continued her entire life, at weddings and social events. Song writing came easy; her most uplifting one being "Make Up Your Mind to be Happy". She loved singing in the choir at Southern CT State University, where she also worked as an Assistant Registrar for many years.

Frances thoroughly enjoyed intellectual and inspiring conversations, often using her

inquisitiveness to get to know people, and to offer helpful advice.

Her sense of humor always kept her going, as well as a love of great films, laughing, spending time with young people, and reading. She made sure she was never far from a library.

Sadly, Frances left us after a brief bout with Covid-19. Frances leaves behind two devoted daughters, Norma Lee Chartoff (Charles "Chip" Scott) of Brooklyn, NY and Melanie Chartoff (Stan Friedman) of Los Angeles, CA. She also leaves behind her dear friend-daughters Mindi Englart and her daughter Lily, and Linda Adams and her daughter Emillie. Frances is predeceased by her former husband, Harold H. Chartoff of West Haven, CT.

The private funeral will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, checks can be made out to WCEAF (Whitney Center Employee Appreciation Fund) in memory of Frances Chartoff. Those can be mailed to:

Whitney Center Philanthropy, WCEAF

Attn: Terri Rioux

200 Leeder Hill Drive

Hamden, CT 06517