Betty Ann "Nana" Prochaska

Groton - Betty Ann Prochaska, born Feb.11, 1930, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 9, 2013, at home, two days before her 83rd birthday. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Betty, also called "Nana" lovingly, with her petite stature, was one of the most independent women you'd ever have the privilege of knowing. She was extremely passionate about gardening and especially painting. She loved to paint so much so that she was a member of Groton Artwaves for 19 years. Besides being in love with the arts, she was also very much involved with local politics.

She was an avid member of the RTM for close to 20 years and had a strong voice when it came to the town of Groton. She loved this little town and strived to make it a better place to live. Betty was also a Justice of the Peace, a community and board member of Groton Ambulance, president of the Senior Citizens Club, commissioner and chairman of the Senior Housing and Redevelopment Agency, a member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force for both the Boys and Girls Club and Senior Transportation, a member of the Mystic Art Association, she volunteered for the holidays at the Social Service Triad Program, and worked as a judge for Groton's numerous parades.

Betty was predeceased by her mother and father, Grace and Claude Jenkins; her husband of 15 years, Richard Prochaska; her two brothers. Earlin Jenkins and Beverly Jenkins; and her two sisters, Bernice Raymond and Francis Lovely. She is also predeceased by her first husband, Merle Spaulding.

She is survived by her sister, Joyce Cross of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; her four children, Larry Spaulding of Groton, Terry Spaulding and his wife, Barbara, of North Carolina, Linda Lowe of Groton, and Gary Spaulding and his wife, Lisa, of Thomaston. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan Spaulding of Groton, Katrina Duerrwaechter and her husband, David, of Gales Ferry, Nicholas Spaulding of Groton, Courtney Lowe of Groton, Daniel Lowe of Clayton, N.Y., Tiffany Lowe of Clayton, N.Y., Jillian Spaulding and her husband, Adam, of Norwich; and an amazing great-grandson, Christopher Heald of Gales Ferry. Betty also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends galore. Mitakuye Oyasin.

A Celebration of Life is to be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 23, at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. From 6 to 8 p.m. following the Celebration of Life, there will be a reception at Mystic Marriot in Groton.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation on behalf of Betty to The American Cancer Society or Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, sign the guestbook or share a memory.