Julia Elizabeth Lewis Manchester

I have just learned that my favorite aunt is no longer with us. I am saddened to know this, but I also am thankful for the wonderful memories (although few) that I have of her. I first met Aunt Betsy when I was 10, and visiting both sets of grandparents in the East. I was fascinated with their home that had originally been a barn, and Merrily and I had some wonderful times together.
Then I was able to pick up the relationship 14 years later in 1969 (for the 4th of July weekend, no...

They say that your oldest friends are your dearest friends and that is certainly the way we feel here in Weston, CT about Betsy Manchester. My earliest memory of Betsy, and her husband Roger, was in 1957 when my 9th Grade Social Studies teacher required that all of her students attend a Weston Town Meeting on the Town Budget. We were to observe "democracy in action". Roger and Betsy both spoke at the meeting and I remember well how they were both so eloquent and made such a handsome...

Oh, Betsy, What a beautiful person you were. I have thought of you, Merrily, and your family so many times. I spent many hours at your house growing up. Memories i cherish. I so miss Merrily. Thank you for always making your house open to all and making us feel so welcome. Thanks you for your gifts and lessons of acceptance, patience, love and gentleness. What a rock you were for your family..and extended family.
I loved seeing the names in this guestbook of others I knew through...

"A life well-lived leaves behind a beautifiul bouquet of memories."

Betsy served many roles in my life. She was a best friend, a relative,a wonderful role model, a terrific athelete, artist, and gardner, a counselor and teacher,and demonstrated her basic goodness every day of her life. With almost fifty years of friendship my memories of her will endure forever. She and I shared so many wonderful experiences together and were there for each other during the few dark days...

My Little Betty Boo,

You will be missed terribly by all those who truly knew your beauty and love for life. Thank you for accepting me into your family and letting me crash so many Thanksgivings in Weston. What a treat to be with such a loving family when mine was far away. You will always be treasured in memory as you were in life. Glad you are finally in peace. Your smile will be missed!!!!!!!

To my role model, neighbor and longtime friend...I will miss your grace, your vivaciousness, your beauty, varied talents and strength forever. May you be resting in peace with your sweet Merrily.

Betsy, you were a mom it was a pleasure to share with our friends. You made the house welcoming and warm and made everyone comfortable. As comfortable with solitude as with company, you put your spiritual aspirations into practice. We will all miss you, and yet we rejoice in your return Home.

Aunt Bets, the woman who taught me to make spaghetti and bake bread (including Christbrode). Who ignored the mysteriously stripped cherry tomato plants every day on the way to and from school. Who happily accepted an audience during morning yoga. Who taught me to keep an open house to my own children's friends. Who, like my Dad said, was a second Mother to my sister and I. And who raised such great cousins for us to look up to...I hadn't realized how many times a day I thought of you...

We have wonderful memories of Betsy. She was a great role model; full of grace, courage, and a spirit of adventure. She will be greatly missed.

Nancy & Irv Cannon
73 Norfield Road
Weston, Ct. 06883