- Date Of Birth: October 11, 1947
- Date Of Death: August 24, 2022
- State: Pennsylvania
FRENCH – Elizabeth Anne (Bjorhus) French of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, beloved wife and mother, passed away on August 24, 2022 at 74. She was born to Robert Einar and Elizabeth (Hayes) Bjorhus in New London, Connecticut. Growing up in West Hartford and Windsor, Anne attended Windsor High School (Class of 1965). She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Albertus Magnus College (Class of 1969) in New Haven. Anne met her future husband of 51 years and the love of her life, Eugene Raymond French, at Lake Hayward, CT where Ray’s mom had a summer cottage. They dated throughout college where Anne spent many happy times at Yale.
Anne’s first job was at Kelly Girls and later Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Anne and Ray moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania after their marriage in 1971, and lived in a small two bedroom apartment. In 1972, Anne worked at Sacred Heart Hospital as a personnel administrator. They later moved to Bethlehem where they raised their two children. Anne worked for many years at the famous Susan’s Catering as office manager.
Anne’s passions throughout her life included skiing, her garden, the ocean, concerts and most recently her love for hiking and her prolific works of art. She volunteered at book fairs raising tuition money for college freshman.
But Anne’s greatest loves were her family, her home and the countless friends whose lives she has touched. Her happiness came from the happiness of her children, Beth and Doug and Beth’s husband Jason. Her sister and best friend, Elaine shared unconditional love and support. Her niece, Ali and her husband Dave were ever so much in her heart, and her nephew Christopher brought her joy and much laughter. A special delight for Anne were her grand-nephew Teddy and grand-nieces Finley and Edith.
She will be remembered by those she leaves behind as fiercely protective, a confidante to many, her humor, her laugh, her kindness, generosity in everything she embraced, and her grace.
In addition to her husband, Anne is survived by her beloved children Elizabeth King and her husband Jason; and her son Douglas, both of Portland, Oregon. She also leaves her sister Elaine Bjorhus Gibbs of Chatham, MA; her nephew Christoper S. Gibbs of Chatham; her niece Alexandra Wittmann and her husband Dave, of Reading MA and their children Teddy, Finley and Edith. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Robert Einar Bjorhus Jr of Wayne, PA.
