Frances Lillian Corey

Frances Corey, of Niantic, entered the gates of heaven on the morning of April 8th, 2026, from the quiet comfort of her own home, her final wish made possible by the steady care of her children. She had a deep love for the home she built and shared with her husband, Albert Corey Jr, throughout their marriage of nearly 59 years.

Frances was born on September 29, 1939 in Niantic, to James and Laura (Olsen) Perkins. She and her 8 siblings shared a special bond and fond nicknames as they navigated the early loss of their father. “Fanny” remained close to her 7 siblings throughout her life, and she and Albert provided housing for her mother, Laura. The two often were found gardening and doing yard work together.

Frances married the love of her life on June 16, 1956. She was a young bride, and often chuckled as she told the story of how it took her two tries to arrive at the train station where Albert waited for her. He became not only her husband and the father of her children, but her best friend and steady companion throughout their lives.

Frances’ life was deeply connected to her family, and she devoted much of her life to ensuring that everyone had a roof over their head, food in their bellies, and a story from whatever adventure they shared. Her grandchildren often share stories of riding toboggans down the hill in winter, of her running behind their bicycles and keeping her promise to not let go, and of frequenting yard sales.

Frances was always on the search for treasures, and she found them everywhere she went. She found whimsy and value in the things she collected while walking in the woods, riding her bike through Niantic, her lifelong hometown, or on the beaches with her metal detector. She displayed her treasures in her home and in her gardens. Frances also had a great curiosity in ancestry, tracing her family members back to Ellis Island, as well as many generations linking her further to the place she called home.

Frances leaves behind 3 of her children, Julia Jones and her husband, Zebney, of East Lyme, James Corey and his wife Lori, of Old Lyme, and Miles Corey and his wife, Kelly, of East Lyme. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, more than a dozen great grandchildren, and a great great grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her siblings, Joe Perkins and Rose “Dody” Perkins.

She is predeceased by her husband as well as her oldest child, Albert B. Corey III and his daughter, Sarah Rose Corey. She is also predeceased by her siblings, step brother Lou Beebe, Henry Perkins, Albert Perkins, James “Chug” Perkins, Jessie Perkins, and Elias “Porker” Perkins.

Burial will be private amongst family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut.