Betty J. West, 88, of Moretown passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin with her family by her side. Betty Jane Gavin was born November 9, 1929, in Barre, VT. She was the daughter of the late John Gavin and Jeanette Gavin (Smith). Betty grew up and attended school in Barre. At a very young age, Betty met and married her love, Roland (Bud) Morse, at the Hedding Methodist Church in Barre, VT, on May 12, 1946. The two made their home in Moretown. Roland predeceased Betty on January 29, 1994.
Betty and Bud both worked very hard and created a loving home for their five daughters. Betty made her career working at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury. She was fortunate to have a dear friend and mentor, Janet Perkins. Janet groomed her to become a respected caregiver as a psychiatric specialist, being one of the first classes to graduate from the Vera Hanks School of Psychiatric Technology.
Betty enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the little ones. She loved the companionship of her cat, Snuggles, and the many friends and loved ones that surrounded her with love and support. She was always up for a road trip, a shopping spree, a good movie, and having a meal out, especially a sweet treat. Betty had a smile that would light up the room and her laughter was infectious. She had a wonderful sense of humor and she loved any opportunity to take a spin on the dance floor.
Betty lost Bud before her retirement but was a devoted wife to him for several years before he passed, visiting him every day and sometimes twice a day at his health care facilities. After the loss of Bud, she kept her life busy enjoying all of her family and friends. She was fortunate enough to find another wonderful man to enjoy life with. She met Wilford (Bill) West and they married in June 1997. They enjoyed 18 years of joy until his passing on June 21, 2015.
Betty is survived by a large and loving family: her five daughters, Linda Emery of Barre, Beverley Young and husband Alan of Waterbury Center, Marsha Dudley and husband Steve of Barre, Jane Marshall and husband Frederic of Rochester, New York, and Donna Ducas and husband Phil of Waterbury Center; her grandchildren, Todd Emery and wife Donna of Middlesex, Heather Wilson and husband Curtis of Boston, Tammy Farley and husband Mike of Colchester, Tanya Perry and husband Larry of Middlesex, Julie Young of Waterbury, Allison Mansfield and husband Lance of Duxbury, Erika Dickenson and husband Bill of Williamstown, Robert Marshall of NY, William Erno and wife Amica of Waterbury, and Kassidy and Riley Abair of Duxbury; her great-grandchildren, Tiffini Boyde and partner Sean Buckner, Aysia and Leigha Wilson, Karla Emery, Elizabeth Emery, Alycia Dickenson, Landon and Ryan Mansfield, Melissa Timbers, and Maxx Perry; her great-great grandchildren, Sylas Braman and Ryleigh Rose Buckner; her sisters, Shirley Simpson of Gilman and Dorothy Ryan and husband Howard of Springfield; and her brother, Richard Gavin and wife Gail of Florida. Other special family members include Gina Clark and husband Jerry of St. Albans, Laurie Lamorey and husband Ed of Florida, Virginia Bockmiller of Florida, David Morse of Waterbury, Ed Morse and wife Kathy of Virginia, and Karen Abair O’Brien and partner Andy Wass of Duxbury. And many beloved nieces and nephews; and extended family including Barbara Fantoni, Robert and Alice Smith, Becky Rutledge, Peter, Katrina and Rachel Pelky, Jeanne Bailey and husband Chet, Mary Wilder and husband Mike, Pam Lamson and husband Peter and their children and grandchildren. Betty was predeceased by her sisters, Lucille Anderson and Mildred Macintyre; a brother, Emmett Gavin; and a grandson, Danny Emery Jr.
The family would like to thank Betty’s many neighbors, extended family and friends who helped care for her. She was blessed to be cared for by Dr. Cove and his wonderful staff of nurses; CVHH & Rehab; the Woodridge Rehab staff; CVMC nurses and medical staff; and the Waterbury Ambulance team.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Waterbury on Thursday, July 19, at 1 p.m. with visitation from noon until the hour of the service. A reception will follow the service in the church dining hall. Inurnment will take place in Maple Street Cemetery in Waterbury Center following the reception. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to some of her favorite causes such as the National MS Society, nationalmssociety.org; the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org ; and Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641, www.cvhh.org.
Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
