Elizabeth J. Anderson

Elizabeth J. Anderson, “Betty”, 81, of Milford, was born on September 24, 1939 and passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021 peacefully in her sleep next to her husband George E. Anderson, Sr. of 62 years. Betty lived in Milford all of her life. She was the Daughter of the late James K. Dooling and Elizabeth J. (Tice) Dooling. She is survived by her Husband George Sr., her Son George Jr., her Daughter Donna (Anderson) Holden, her Son-In-Law Terry Holden, Jr., and her two Granddaughters Brianne & Alyssa. She was preceded by her Mother, Father, Sister Joan (Dooling) Ball, Brother-In-Law Craig Anderson, and Sister-In-Law Carlyn Schultheiss. Betty was one of the “Beach Kids”, attended Walnut Beach Grammar School and graduated Milford High School in 1957.  Her first job was at W.T. Grants Department Store in the Center of Town. Shortly thereafter, she went to work at the A & P Grocery Store on River Street. This was a prime spot for teens to work, setting the stage for Betty to meet George who had worked there two years before. They met at the A & P summer outing on August 27, 1956 and since that time have never left each other’s side.

When Betty graduated from high school, she was one of three students from the Business Department hired by Raybestos in Stratford, one of the largest employers in the area.  She worked there for four years before she had her son, George Jr. After he was born, she went to work for two years before leaving to have her daughter. Betty went back to work after Donna’s birth for a land appraiser in Milford. This office was next to Attorney John Jaser, a political figure in town. Betty then worked for Jay Jaser for the new redevelopment agency located at Walnut Beach. After this project was over, she went to work for the Milford Family & Child Guidance Center, which later became the Milford Mental Health Clinic now known as Bridges. She worked there for over 25 years becoming Office Manager. During that time, the clinic went through a major expansion and Betty was the one who had to work with the contractors to get the job done. To do this and to keep the project moving forward, she also worked nights and weekends working 60-70 hours per week. After the completion of this project, she was offered the job as Office Manager at Care Source, a home care nursing service.  In 1997, she suffered a stroke but recovered after 3 weeks of intensive rehab and was able to go back to work. Betty was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and an active participant in St. Gabriel’s Variety Shows in singing and dancing skits.  She helped with costumes and sets for five years. She was a Dance Mom, Makeup Artist for several Carol Farrell Dance Studio shows taking care of over 100 dancers per show.

She loved to travel, her and the family would get into the car and drive to anywhere, Bar Harbor Maine, Killington Vermont and Loon Mountain on ski trips. We went to the Battleship Museum in MA, Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis to visit Graceland. Betty was forever a huge Elvis fan and took the family to see Elvis perform at Veteran’s Coliseum. We went on numerous trips to Disney World, sometimes twice a year. She loved Christmas in Disney World and also New Year’s Eve. Florida was her favorite destination. We will miss her so very much. She is the Best Person on the Planet. She was always the most positive and optimistic and beautiful Wife, Mom and Grandmother ever.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT.

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