Elizabeth "Beth" Molder

Elizabeth “Beth” Molder, 89, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2023, at Pomperaug Woods. She was the loving wife of 64 years to Joseph L. Molder.

Beth was born on October 23, 1933, in Providence, RI, the daughter of the late Paul S. McElroy and Clara B. McElroy.

Her family moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea and Danvers, Massachusetts, where she was raised until she went on to attend Oberlin College. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1955, she lived in Denmark for a year. She then worked at the YWCA in St. Louis and later in Worcester, MA. While in Worcester, she started dating a fellow Oberlin graduate Joe Molder, whom she married on January 17, 1959.

They lived in New York City and Leonia, New Jersey, before settling in Middlebury, Connecticut, where they raised their family. She and Joe lived and worked at Westover School for 27 years. She was a valuable member of the community and was particularly instrumental in the lives of international students.

She was also active in local towns, serving on the board at Flanders Nature Center and the Mattatuck Museum. They stayed in the local area after retirement in 1997, eventually settling at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury.

Besides her husband, Joe, Beth is survived by her three children, Steven, Marjorie, and David, as well as nine grandchildren.

She is remembered for her compassionate heart, warmth, and caring nature. She is loved by her family, friends, and everyone who got to know her. She will be greatly missed.

A gathering in memory of her will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Westover School, or Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit Beth’s tribute page at www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

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