Dorothy "Dottie" Franks

Dorothy “Dottie” Franks, a beloved resident of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully, on July 31st, surrounded by family and friends, six months after celebrating her 100th birthday. Born on January 16, 1924, in the Bronx, Dottie was the cherished daughter of Frances and Harry Dowd.

Dottie’s early years were filled with outdoor adventures, and it was in high school that she met the love of her life, Rene Franks. During World War II, Rene served in the Army Air Corps while Dottie’s letters kept him strong. Upon his return, they married and settled in Ridgefield, where they built a beautiful home on Stonecrest Road and raised their three children: Carol, Donna, and Rip.

Dottie’s life was a testament to service and community spirit. She was the first director of Ridgefield’s Chamber of Commerce, a Girl Scout leader, and the initiator of various town traditions, including sidewalk sales, art programs in the park, and holiday tree lightings. Her behind-the-scenes efforts were pivotal to the success of many local events, including the Ridgefield Memorial Day parades and the Jesse Lee festivals. Even in her winter home in Fellsmere, Florida, she ensured the success of the Frog Leg Festival by coordinating volunteers. Her love of children was shown in all the hours she spent working with the migrant children in Fellsmere. 

Her home was a haven of love, filled with music, family stories, and the warmth of Sunday pot roasts dinners. She imparted invaluable life lessons to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who remember her fondly for her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Dottie’s legacy of service is reflected in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, continuing through five generations.

She is predeceased by her husband, Rene Franks Sr. and her son Rene (Rip) Franks, Jr. and survived by her daughters Carol Gibson and her husband, Ken of Bethel, and Donna Caserta and her husband, Ken of Stratford; three grandchildren, Heather Nelson, KC Gibson and Aimee Pinckney and seven great-grandchildren, KristenMary, Paul, Cole, Mathias, Abby, Keegan, and Delaney and two great-great-grandchildren, Gemma and Emmet.  

Dottie’s life was one of authenticity, love, and an unyielding commitment to her family and community. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, August 7th at 11:00 AM in Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, Ridgefield with the Rev. William Pfohl, Senior Pastor officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30 AM until the time of the funeral service.

Interment will take place in Valley View Cemetery, Dover Plains, NY

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dottie’s memory, to Lodewick Children's Library, c/o Ridgefield Public Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, reflecting Dottie’s lifelong love of children and reading.

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