Obituary: Barbara R. Frates, 85, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Barbara R. Frates, 85, of Danbury, died peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Mrs. Frates was born in Crestwood, NY on December 29, 1937; a daughter of the late Gabriel and Theresa (Pio Costa) Merola. She graduated from Tufts University, where she met and married the love of her life, George A. Frates Jr., who predeceased her in 2020.

A resident of Danbury for the last 12 years, Mrs. Frates was a retired administrator for the Girl Scouts of America. She was a faithful parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, Ridgefield and previously Saint Joseph Church, Somers.

Mrs. Frates is survived by her children: Terry Ellen Cigno and her husband, Dr. Thomas Cigno; George A Frates III and his wife, Lisa; John A. Frates and his wife, Melissa and William P. Frates and his wife, Anna. Mrs. Frates is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren as well as her brothers, Bill and Anthony Merola.

Barbara’s loves were simple: her family, her faith, the Girl Scouts and last but not least, the New York Yankees. Also, an avid traveler, she embraced many cultures and enjoyed visiting Girl Scouts all over the world.

Barbara was an active member of every parish she belonged to, participating in Bible Study and serving as a Eucharistic minister. She was a career Girl Scout and a founding member of the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson Museum.

She embraced each day with an adventurous spirit and a heart full of love.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph's Cemetery; 357 Route 202; Somers, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart of The Hudson Girl Scouts – 30 Scott's Corners Drive; Montgomery, NY 12549.