Gale Ericson Franklin of Groton passed peacefully on Friday, Nov 21, 2025, at the age of 88. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Florence Garland Ericson.
Anyone who knew Gale appreciated her passion for music and artistic expression, something she instilled in her two sons by driving them to art lessons, choir practice with the Westerly Chorus with whom she also sang, road trips in an RV, and music lessons. Gale spent much of her time listening to classical music and attending concerts which brought her so much joy.
Gale loved to travel and meet people from all over the world. She hosted exchange students and kept in touch with them into her later years. Gale also cared deeply for animals, from the horses she rode in her youth, to working on the old Merritt farm, to the critters she fed for so many years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and playing hostess.
Gale was predeceased by her husband, John Franklin. She is survived by two sons, John Jay Franklin, Jr. (Missy) and Carl Franklin (Kelly), as well as her grandchildren Alec (Bre), Jacob, Katelyn, Emmeline (Joshua), Clara, Marissa (Harold, great-granddaughter Rosalind), NaKeisha (Damari), and cousin Hilary Parker Muratore (Mike). She is also survived by her long-time companion Bjorn Olson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec 13, 2025, from 1PM-3PM at Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to ECSO (ectsymphony.com/your-support/) or Groton Open Spaces (www.gosaonline.org), two organizations Gale loved and contributed to regularly.