| Location | Mission |
| Age | 85 years |
| Cause of Death | Stroke |
| Date of Birth | 10/10/1924 |
| Date of Death | 11/11/2009 |
| Visitors | 307 since 13/11/2009 |
| Creator |
Bette was no ordinary wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother. She made every member of her family feel they were special.
Bette was a hard worker who took her first job at age 11 as a chamber maid in a summer hotel in the Catskills. She worked in a bullet making factory in Bridgeport Connecticut during W.W. II. Shortly after the war she married Edward Ackerly when they eloped on Halloween! They lived briefly in Brooklyn New York until Bette convinced Ed that the city was no place to raise a family and they returned to the Catskills. Bette & Ed ran a milk business, raised 3 boys, Robert, Thomas & Scott, and kept active in the community.
Bette had a gift for living in the moment. Her greatest pleasure seemed to be derived from the simplest things. She began every day at dawn, writing in her diary and reading from her favorite inspirational books. Her home - wherever it was - was always a cozy and welcoming place - she could make an army tent or a Ford Van feel like the most inviting place on earth. She had a unique relationship with the moon - she always knew what phase it was in. And if you happened to be in her company when the moon was full, you'd better be prepared to go moon-gazing.
While all of us who loved her cannot imagine life without her, we all celebrate the full and happy life she lived. She had a healthy and happy retirement - traveled the country with her husband - and spent 27 happy years in Mission, Texas. Her 65 year marriage to Ed is an inspiration to all of us.
Bette had book-marked the following passage in one of her favorite books, "You are the comfort of my soul in the season of sorrow. You are the wealth of my spirit in the heartbreak of loss."
I always admired Betty's adventurous spirit in going on the road with her husband and that she and Ed got to see and experience so much in her later years.
I didn't get to see her nearly enough in recent years but I will always remember her warm smile, calming presence and her sense of humor.And,yes-the ginger snaps.I will always carry the fondest memories of her.
In recent years, I usually only saw Bette once or twice a year, - except two years ago, when she and Ed seemed to keep showing up unexpectedly when I was taking care of my stepmother, in and out of hospitals. She was such a reassuring presence then, and always.
I loved it that she and Ed used to hit the road whenever possible, looking for adventure....such gypsies they were.
One of my fondest memories of Bette is cooking and baking up a storm with her in her cozy Roscoe kitchen. She made me feel so at home there. And of course, I was stealing as many gingersnaps as I could while she wasn't looking.
I will miss her so very much.
Victoria Parmele
Bette always greeted me in her home as if I were an honored guest. She was delightful and radiant and patient. I am certain that the example she set explains the enviable attributes of her sons, Tom and Scott. Her smile and laughter illuminated many hearts. And still, I smile when I look at a photo of Bette. That light remains and inspires me. She really made life better for me, in my youth, just by being herself. For her soul I wish an eternity of peace and contentment.
Please pass the ginger snaps!!!
J. Quick
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