Elizabeth McCracken

Stonington — Elizabeth Johnstone McCracken, affectionately known as Bobette, 83, of Stonington, died at home surrounded by her five loving children after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Bobette was born in Glen Ridge, N.J., on Nov. 6, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Robert L. and Elizabeth (Libby) Van Liew Johnstone. She graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington in 1953 and from Briarcliffe College in 1955.

Bobette had a long career as an executive secretary for various companies. After retiring from her professional career, she became a personal trainer and started I Can Fitness with her daughter Heather Bessette in Stonington.

The Johnstone family first started coming to Stonington in 1923. As a young child, every year, Bobette summered in Stonington and she moved here permanently after retiring in 1990.

Bobette was a nationally recognized athlete in tennis and horsemanship. She won various silver, gold medal and national titles in both sports. Additionally, she was a lifelong member of the Wadawanuck Club and elected its first female president.

She is survived by her five children, Susan Green (Brian), Clay Burkhalter (Gleanna), Wendy Eck (David), Heather Bessette (Stephen), and Holly Bosman (Michael); four stepchildren, Mike McCracken (Maureen), Dave McCracken, Karen Murphy and Tim McCracken; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; and three brothers, Robert Johnstone (Mary). Rodney Johnstone (Lucia) and John Johnstone (Sarah).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Stonington Free Library, which she adored.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at the La Grua Center in Stonington at 10:30 a.m. There will be a reception immediately following at the Wadawanuck Club in Stonington. Mystic Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.