Elissa (Zipkin) Carignan

Elissa (Zipkin) Carignan, 101, of Plymouth, CT, wife of the late Henri Carignan, passed away on May 14, 2024, at Cook Willow Health Center, in Plymouth, CT.  She was born February 27, 1923, in Woodstock, CT, daughter of the late Abraham and Molly Zipkin. Elissa was predeceased by her two sisters, Evelyn Block and Rebecca Tapper and her three brothers, Samuel, Louis and Harold Zipkin. Elissa leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Elissa grew up in Danielson CT, graduated from Killingly HS in 1941 and then

completed secretarial studies in Providence, RI. In 1944, she became a volunteer nurse’s aide at Rhode Island Hospital and continued her volunteering work at the American Red Cross throughout WWII. Elissa married in 1958 and moved to Los Angeles where she worked with her husband Henri Carignan. After his passing, Elisssa volunteered and later worked for the American Heart Association of Los Angeles. She retired in 1987 and a few years later, she moved to Palm Harbor Florida, next door to her brother Harold. Elissa led a very active life, traveling, painting, ballroom dancing, golfing, Tai Chi, weekly dinner outings with family and friends, and caring for her beloved pets. Elissa began to need more assistance when she was in her 90’s. Her nephew Michael Zipkin and his wife, Helen Charette of Tolland, CT, took on the task of tending to her needs. Also, a huge thank you to Carol Jenkins, a family friend living in Palm Harbor and to the late Richard Webb and his wife Judy for all the help they gave Elissa when she was living in Florida. 

In 2017, at 94 years old, Elissa moved to CT and her care was taken over by her niece, Fran Block of Plymouth, CT. In 2020 Elissa took up residence at Cook Willow Health Center in Plymouth, CT.  In addition to her health needs, the recreation department went above and beyond to provide artistic opportunities for her, which she totally enjoyed.  Her family extends a heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at Cook Willow for their dedication during the pandemic and for their continual compassionate and loving care they gave to Elissa.

Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St, Terryville, CT, is handling the arrangements.  Elissa will be transferred to Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor, FL, where she will rest in perpetuity with her beloved cat Sammy and next to her brother Harold. www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elissa (Zipkin) Carignan, please visit our floral store.