Mary Elizabeth Morfit

Mary Elizabeth Morfit Our beloved Mary Elizabeth Morfit, commonly known as Betsy Moore, wife of Garry Moore, peacefully passed away on December 28, 2009 in her residence on Hilton Head Island, SC. Born in 1915 in Milwaukee, WI to Herma and Hugo Knoernschild, Betsy was the oldest sibling to Helene Thornley and Jim Fairchild. She spent her youth in Milwaukee and moved to the Chicago area where she worked in retail after high school and eventually supported WWII war bond fund raising efforts as well as working as a ëRosie the Riveter' in the factory that assembled the Nordon bomb site. In 1944, she married John A. DeChant, a Marquette graduate, accomplished author and US Marine officer. Jack and Betsy had five sons - David, Tom, Mike, Dick and Jim - and raised them in suburban Washington, DC communities of Bethesda and Potomac, MD. Betsy DeChant volunteered at her children's Catholic schools / churches and for numerous organizations, most notably as a ëGrey Lady' volunteer at the Suburban hospital. In December 1974, after both their spouses passed away and being long time friends, Betsy married well-known radio and television personality Garry Moore (also known as Garrison Morfit). Before Garry ended his career, they spent time between homes in both Rye, NY and Nassau, Bahamas. Right after she and Garry retired to Hilton Head Island in 1977, Betsy Moore began helping make patients comfortable on the Acute Care floor of Hilton Head Hospital along with helping at the patient registration desk. For many years, she also volunteered at the Bargain Box and Volunteers in Medicine where she earned the nick name ëthe cleaning lady'. Together, Betsy and Garry gave time to raising funds and supporting needy organizations like the Deep Well project, the local playhouse, etc. Married for a fulfilling 22 years, Betsy was a loving spouse and compassionate caretaker to Garry until his death in 1993. In 2001 Betsy moved from her beloved home on Calibogue Cay to The Seabrook retirement community. Betsy is survived by her five sons and nine grandchildren who were at her bedside in her last days. A memorial will be held at The Seabrook retirement center at 300 Woodhaven Drive on Hilton Head Island at 3:00 Tuesday, December 29, 2009. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations be sent to the Deep Well Project, PO Box 5543, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29938. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.