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Betty-Ann Proxee Obituary
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Betty Proxee of Berlin, Connecticut, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening. She was born "Betty-Ann" to Elizabeth Katherine Pongratz and James Vincent Proxee on April 26, 1950, in Hartford, Connecticut. After graduating from Farmington High School, she lovingly raised two beautiful daughters, Karen and Holly, who remained the light of her life.
Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and pets and was a fierce advocate for all living creatures. She delighted in spending time with her granddog, Gibbs, and conversing with her sulfur-crested umbrella cockatoo, JB. She worked as a grocery cashier at Foodmart in Berlin and Big Y in Rocky Hill, and split her years between Connecticut and Florida, always seeking sunshine. She was an avid reader who loved to curl up with a good book and enjoyed caring for her plants both indoors and outside in the yard, where she loved gardening in the spring and summer months. She was fond of the beach and sitting poolside with family and friends on a sunny afternoon. Anyone that was blessed to meet Betty during her time here on Earth would have known she was instantly a humble, kind, hard-working, classy woman who was well admired by many.
Betty was predeceased by her parents and brother Bobby Proxee. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Karen Raia-Courtois and her husband Bruno Courtois; her daughter, Holly Raia; her sisters, Jo-Ann Nyack and Mary-Ann Nitka; her brothers Jim, Peter, and Tom Proxee, and his wife Ellen Proxee; several beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
Calling hours and a celebration of Betty's life will be held at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin at 111 Chamberlain Hwy, Berlin, CT, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5th. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Betty's honor to the Connecticut Humane Society, the ASPCA, the Lupus Foundation of America, or the National Kidney Foundation.
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Holly
January 27, 2024
Holly
January 27, 2024
One month ago, the lord called upon my mama to become one of his angels in heaven. When doing so, I lost more than just a mother, I lost my best friend who I would confined in each and every day.
These past 30-days have been the most challenging and ever-changing, as I embark on this new chapter. In doing so, I´ve realized that grieving is an essential part of life, and such an individualized process to go through, and that we will all experience grieving at one time or another.
Thank you mama for giving me unconditional love for 45 years, and a lifetime of memories that I will savor and honor for as long as I live. For you have shown me and my sister, that no matter how busy life gets... to never stop and smell the roses, be tall and strong like a sunflower, and stay grounded like the roots of a tree.
In Loving Memory,
Holly Raia
(Daughter)
Michelle Moskal
January 15, 2024
" Betty was my teenage "every Friday night" job. Babysitting the girls was such a huge part of my teenage years - especially when they lived next-door! Later, when I moved to Rocky Hill, and saw her at the cash register - OMG!!! I would catch up with her so often there! I was able to introduce her to my own girls, tell her about my "in and outs"- she was such a caring, wonderful person. I am so sad that she is no longer here, but she will always be in my heart."
-Michelle (Moskal) Buonanno
Kim Hurt
January 15, 2024
" Betty, my memory of you... was the day before Holly´s birthday and I know as a mom you made sure to get through surgery to put a smile on Holly´s face on December 7th. she was so happy and relieved you made it through. Thank you for showing Holly, your strength, love, and friendship."
-Kim Hurt
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KO
January 15, 2024
" I was not able to get to nobody as well as I would have loved. but it in the brief time, I knew her she was a light like no other."
-K.O.
Allison maynor
January 15, 2024
" there was never a time when Karen would speak about Betty, and not have a loving word or a smile at the end. That´s what´s magical about such a devoted, loving mother."
-Allison M.
Joyce Walk
January 14, 2024
"Talking with her was my favorite memory! Betty would come to my house, and she would talk for hours. We would have a glass of wine and catch up! She always looks classy, and everything was always perfect. I will miss her."
-Joyce Walk
Julie N
January 14, 2024
"Betty was a sweet and loving soul who was so appreciative of the simple things. I enjoyed sitting by Karen´s pool this summer, and just chatting the day away."
-Julie N.
Meaghan
January 14, 2024
"I remember Betty and her bird and her great hats!"
-Love,
Meaghan
Lindsey
January 14, 2024
"My favorite memory was listening to Betty´s conversations with Kylor and Karter. Along with their constant pursuit to get her into the pool over the last two years. She was the sweetest soul."
-Love,
Lindsey
Ilesha Cruz
January 14, 2024
"My favorite memory with Betty would be her smile, long conversations, and always happy."
Love,
Ilesha Cruz
Bridge´s Family
January 14, 2024
"Thank you for coming to the school and being a part of our Bridge´s family. Your love and support was always felt. We will continue to care for your daughter (HR). Keep looking over us!"
-Love,
Your Bridge´s Family of Chamberlain
T. Whaley
January 14, 2024
"My favorite memory was when I called Holly to offer words of encouragement before Bettys surgery (back in early December). After speaking with her, I was the one who was encouraged."
-T. Whaley
Aldo
January 14, 2024
Betty: " Aldo, water, your plants!"
Aldo: "I know, I know!"
Thanks for the lovely memories.
- Aldo (friend of the family)
Marge neighbor
January 14, 2024
"I will forever cherish the time I spent chatting with a Betty. She inspired me with her courage and strength. I was amazed at her optimism. She will be missed." - Marge (neighbor)
Karen (neighbor)
January 14, 2024
"Betty was a kind, thoughtful, and was a very sweet, soft-spoken woman. I always loved when she would stop at my tag sales and pick out something from my collection of stuff for her room. I was so blessed to have met her."
- Karen, the neighbor.
Rose Urbanetti Monarca
January 7, 2024
Betty always knew what to say to make me feel better about anything. She enjoyed hanging out with us girls, laughing at our shenanigans, and giving us great advice. She´s been a role model to all of us. She will continue to bring a smile to our faces, shine a light on us, and make us feel loved every time we think of the beautiful memories we have made together. May she rest in peace.
Elizabeth F Raia
January 6, 2024
Karen and Holly. We are very sorry for your loss. May you Mom rest in Peace.
Tony and Liz Raia from Florida
Susan Brewer
January 5, 2024
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to your mother. It has been many years since I have talked to Betty-Ann but I do remember her lovely smile and kindness. Holly and Karen, I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this life without your dear mother in the days ahead. Betty-Ann was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her.
Bruno Courtois
January 5, 2024
BETTY and I were sitting on the sun porch at the Grandview house. I had made us egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches. Our dog Dixie suddenly began running around the coffee table between the two of us. She jumped and banked off a chair next to Betty and snatched the sandwich from her. The food went everywhere. Betty tried to be mad but the two of us couldn't stop laughing at the incident. Betty had a tremendous gift for compassion. She was a loving mother-in-law and will always be in my heart.
Be at Peace Mom.
Love you Bruno
Robert Azarigian
January 5, 2024
I first met Betty in 1969 while she was driving her yellow VW bug to a mutual friends house party. We stayed in touch with each other over the years since then. To this day I still have those fond memories of our adventures we shared together back in the early 70s. I will sadly miss our long distance phone conversations with this sweet lady / forever friend. R.I.P.
Bryon Levine
January 5, 2024
My favorite memory with Karen and Holly`s mom was being such a kind, gentle soul. She was also very sincere, along with being genuine. Her smile made everyone smile.
Salvatore Avella
January 4, 2024
Betty was like a second mom to me, as she shared get advice and insight on life itself. She was angelic and delicate like the garden that she tended to everyday in her backyard.
Steven Calvert
January 4, 2024
I used to love Betty´s gardening skills at the house on Grandview Ave. All the plants were so beautifully maintained. It was really impressive!
Maria calvert
January 3, 2024
I was very honored and blessed to know Betty. She was like a mom to me . A beautiful soul gone way too early who will be missed by many .
Holly Raia
January 2, 2024
There are many fond memories that I have of my mother, as she was a nurturing and loving person to say the least. But one memory that truly sticks out in my mind, that we always seemed to laugh about over and over was when we were on vacation.
During early fall of 2018, my mother and I were driving in a golf cart together when all the sudden a thunderstorm came out of nowhere. We were instantly drenched from the rain, and scared for our lives, as lighting strikes were hitting the ground everywhere!
The rain was so loud, but so was my mother´s cries and laughter too. It was at this time that I needed to be the parent as I reassured her in a calming voice, "Don´t worry, I got this! I got you mama! I will get you home safely!" Thankfully, I did just so, as we laughed for hours about it this terrifying and hilarious moment, and how we escaped our fate that day.
Even before her passing, she always reminisced about how this was one of her favorite memories with me, as I enjoyed her retelling the story over to friends and family.
- Holly Raia
(Daughter)
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