Betsey H. Meyer

Betsey H. Meyer
Our beautiful mom, Betsey H. Meyer passed away gracefully and serenely in her home November 17, 2025. She was born Betsey Elise Herb on January 16, 1937, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Marion Evers Herb and Robert W. Herb. She graduated from Stratford High School in 1954 and went on to attend the College of New Rochelle until the untimely passing of her father in 1956.
Betsey spent her childhood enjoying the school year in Stratford and her summers in Shady Rest, Newtown, flanked by fellow pirates on the mighty Lake Zoar, Jay Hurlbert and Jackie O'Conell of Connecticut.
Highlights of those early years included serving as editor of the school newspaper, dancing with her great chum, Tony Musante, working as a docent at the Shakespeare Theater and beginning her career at People's Bank, which would be a meaningful and recurring theme throughout Betsey's life.
Betsey married the love of her life, the Honorable Attorney Jonas John Meyer III, on April 26, 1959 – a love story that has truly never ended. Betsey and Jonas purchased their family home 39 Woodbine Circle in their beloved Lake Forest even before they were married. Deeply inspired by Mae Coleman, Betsey and Jonas began their lifelong devotion to Lake Forest, serving in countless roles over the span of five decades, including editor of the newspaper and various executive board positions. Though Betsey contributed in many meaningful ways, Betsey's favorite roles were undoubtedly officiating the raffles at pasta nights and coordinating games at Lake Forest's annual field day – especially the water balloon contest, which she loved most of all.
While Lake Forest was their beloved home, Saint Andrew Church and Chimney Hill, Vermont, were their treasured homes away from home. A founding member of the parish, Betsey dedicated decades of service to Saint Andrew, acting as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Trustee under five successive pastors. She was also an active member of the Rosary Confraternity and spent many years directing the children's choir alongside her respected colleague, Herb Lazaration. She even taught a special course to the eighth graders at Saint Andrew titled, "Putting Your Best Foot Forward," where she shared her social skills, kindness, and grace with countless young students as they navigated their way into adolescence.
Betsey spent many years working with the City of Bridgeport's Department of Aging, where she once again found herself joyfully coordinating games and activities. She volunteered countless hours for the Barnum Festival and dedicated herself to working every election held in the City of Bridgeport for more than four decades. The Wing Ding Parade was always a cherished family highlight!
Perhaps Betsey's greatest devotion in life was to her children. She is survived by Jonas John Meyer IV (Heidi), Attorney R. Christopher Meyer, Ursula Meyer (Chuck), and Betsey Meyer Mezzanotte (Michael). While raising her own family, Betsey also opened her home and her heart to four wards of the state, helping to raise them as her own. During these busy years, she resumed her career at People's Bank and continued to volunteer tirelessly at Saint Andrew, the City of Bridgeport, and Chimney Hill - always with a remarkable sense of dedication and predictability.
When her husband, the Honorable Attorney Jonas J. Meyer III, was elected Probate Judge in Bridgeport and later fell ill, Betsey embraced yet another calling. She became his nurse, his chauffeur, and eventually a bookkeeper for the Probate Court, a role she continued in service to the Honorable Paul Ganim.
At 80 years old, Betsey retired on December 15, 2017. In recognition of her decades of service, Mayor Joseph P. Ganim proclaimed the date Betsey Meyer Day in the City of Bridgeport. Betsey deeply cherished the friendships formed throughout those years, with special affection for Jeanette Sargent, Brian Bosse, and Gina Malheiro. She was fortunate to enjoy friendships that lasted a lifetime and is survived by her cherished closest friends, Lorraine Tobin and Gladys Imbro, whose companionship, loyalty, and love were a constant source of joy and comfort throughout her life. She was often seen delivering generous helpings of corned beef and cabbage to court staff and fortunate neighbors - a testament to her giving spirit and talent in the kitchen.
All four of Betsey and Jonas' children went on to earn their bachelor's degrees and more, with Betsey frequently found typing papers late into the night to help them succeed. Annual family vacations were held at the beloved beaches of Misquamicut, RI and Eastham in Cape Cod, MA.
A devoted animal lover, feeder of all the neighborhood birds and squirrels, she once cared for three cats, a dog, and a rabbit all at the same time, and is survived by her beloved furry companion, Ginger.
Along with Ginger and the many people who adored her, Betsey is survived by her four children, six grandchildren - Jonas John Meyer V (Michelle), Attorney Katherine (Katy) Meyer, Ariana Mesaros, Alyssa Mesaros, Georgia Mezzanotte, and Michael Mezzanotte III - and her great-grandchild, Jonas John Meyer VI, her brother Robert W. Herb, II of Shelton, and her nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many adored granddogs: ChimChim and ChopChop Meyer, Maggie and Rain, Thor, Ellie, and Lil Hitch.
A celebration honoring her cherished and accomplished life will take place on January 16, 2026, Betsey's 89th birthday, beginning with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew Church, 395 Anton Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at the Lake Forest Clubhouse, 424 Frenchtown Road, Bridgeport, CT 06606.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions in Betsey's name to a charity meaningful to you. To send condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com
"Well done, my good and faithful servant… Come and share your Master's joy."