Obituary of Betty J. Connell

WATERTOWN- Betty Jean Connell, 88, formerly of Dewitt, NY, died late Thursday night, February 11, 2016, at Samaritan Summit Village of Watertown. She was born on May 7, 1927, in Portland Maine, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Mildred Whittle. Betty graduated from Cony High School, Class of 1945, and was commissioned in the US Navy. As Lieutenant JG, she was assigned to Chelsea Massachusetts, Charleston, South Carolina, and Brunswick, Maine. She attended and graduated as a Registered Nurse from Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary Nursing School. On November 27, 1954, in Gardiner, Maine, she married Richard D. Connell. The couple made their home in Dewitt, New York, where Betty worked as a Registered Nurse at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital and York State Teachers Manor. Betty is survived by her two children, Peter B. Connell and wife Barbara, Summerfield, Florida; and Scott N. Connell and wife Janet, Watertown, NY. Also, four grandchildren, Matthew Connell and wife Anna, Christopher Connell, Katie Dandrow and husband Christopher, and Mary Connell. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Nancy Harrington and Judy Ellis. Betty enjoyed singing and was a member of the Sweet Adelines and Red Hatters Society. She was an active member of the Holy Cross Church, Dewitt, New York. She was always there to help anyone in need. Local arrangements are being handled by the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St, Carthage. Memorials can be made to the Northern New York Community Foundation, Inc. 120 Washington Street, Suite 400, Watertown, New York 13601. Earmarked in memory of Betty Connell to go to the Copenhagen Central School Educational Foundation. Online condolences can be made at www.lundyfuneralhome.com