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Bettie-Wilson Chu Obituary
Born in Sierra Madre, Calif., Bettie graduated from Whittier College and did graduate work at the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Connecticut. She was a reading specialist for many years within the Waterford school system, seeking to instill in her students a love of reading and a delight in learning. A founder and long-time clerk of the New London Friends Meeting, Bettie was also active for many years in Literacy Volunteers, prison visitation, and the Multicultural Coalition of New London. Her most recent community service, which brought her great delight, was at the Trolley Station, welcoming and guiding visitors to New London.
Bettie and her late husband, Charles Chi-Jung Chu, raised four children, Leeland Cole-Chu, Kevin Chu, Ellen Chu Scala, and Paula Chu, and had 11 beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers, Goodrich of Arizona and William of California, and two nieces and three nephews.
Bettie was predeceased by her parents, Goodrich and Ruby (Kuns) Simmons.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m Friday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A memorial service is planned for the weekend of April 17 and 18.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to global or local efforts that foster peace and kindness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bettie-Wilson Chu
Sponsored by Leeland Cole-Chu.
Janet Downs
April 6, 2009
Ellen--Sincerest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I will be thinking of you and your family in the days to come.
October 20, 2013
an old childhood friend of ellen's is reaching across time and miles to express sympathy at the passing of her mom. I remember her kind smile and so hope that this note finds her children well...carrying her in their hearts..where they cannot lose her again! melissa finch
Anne Anspach
March 27, 2009
Dear Chu Family,
Your mom was one of the kindest people I have ever met - genuine, funny, warm and smart. I feel blessed to have known her and your dear dad while I was in college. We all learned so much from both of them. Our thoughts and love are with you all.
Frances Fremont-Smith
March 27, 2009
Dear Lee,
I only just learned that Bettie too has passed away. Your father and mother were my inspiration and it is with great sadness that I send this note of condolences to you and your family. The great joy and life lessons that your parents gave to me and my family will be cherished forever. With great sympathy, Frances
Susan Murphy-Libby
March 27, 2009
My deepest condolences to the entire Chu family. Your mother, Bettie, was an extraordinary woman whose warmth, compassion and generosity touched so many of us that attended Conn College. She gladly took us under her wing and provided encouragement especially during our afternoon teas. I will always remember her beautiful smile and positive attitude. With sympathy,
Leslee Weiss
March 27, 2009
Lee, Ellen, Kevin and Paula,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your mom's passing such a short time after your dad. I am stunned. And truly saddened. No words can lessen the pain you must all be experiencing. But please know that so many of us loved your mom -- she, like your dad, was an integral part of our CC experience. It has been hard to imagine the two of them apart; now they are together once again. I love them and miss them dearly.
Timothy Dubeau
March 12, 2009
Dear Lee,
I just became aware today of your mothers passing. There are no words adequate to express my sorrow for you and your family. The Scriptures tell us that when we cannot bring ourselves to express these things, the Spirit groans on our behalf. Would that He be groaning for you and yours.
Pastor Tim
Robin Genovese
March 8, 2009
Being a childhood neighbor of the Chu family, they are one of my fondest childhood memories. such respect I had for all of the Chu family, they were always so kind and friendly to their shy neighbor Robin...My condolences.
Scott Damask
March 7, 2009
I just arrived home from a trip to Ireland and caught word of Bettie's passing. I was so saddened as Bettie has been my neighbor in Shaw's Landing for the past six months. She was wonderful to me and helped me to integrate into the neighborhood by co-hosting 3rd floor parties. She could always be seen walking down Bank St to visit the downtown shops and Muddy Waters. She will definitely be missed! My thoughts go out to the rest of her family for such a loss.
Melissa Almond
March 5, 2009
Lee,
I had the pleasure of knowing Bettie through my work at Shaw's Landing. She was such a sweet person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon Gates
March 4, 2009
I am at a loss for words. Dear Ellen, Lee and Paula, your parents were so dear to me and not being there to offer my condolences in person is so very hard. God is so good and he had it right when he brought those two together. I shared so many happy memories working for them and having the pleasure of having breakfast every Saturday morning before starting work. They taught me so much, I will always cherise those Saturdays with them. I will pray for your families during this time of loss. I will see you in April.
Sara Lee Silberman
March 3, 2009
Dear Lee and Family, I was so saddened to learn today that you have now lost your dear Mother, so soon after having lost your father. She, like him, was such a vibrant, loving person. I hope you will be comforted by your many good memories of both your parents.
Kathy Dame
March 3, 2009
Dear Family of Bettie Chu--I just read about Bettie, and I just can't believe she is gone. Both of your parents were very, very dear to me. Bettie was always a pure joy to be around, and I will miss her very much as I do Charles.
Mary Jo Crimmins
March 3, 2009
Dear Lee and Family:
I was so very sorry to hear of Bettie's passing. She was a dear and beloved person and warmed up a room with her smile. She will be truly missed.
Rona and Martin Rutchik
March 2, 2009
Dear Lee,
we could not believe it!!!
Martin joins me in sending you and your siblings and children our sincere sympathies at this sad time. We know what a terrible blow this is for you. We lost another 18k gold link, as we did with Charles and Ruth, from the chain of the best humanity has to offer. We shall always remember them as they direct us from heaven. We offer love to you in their memory.
Bill Marshall
March 2, 2009
Dear Lee,
I feel blessed for having known your mom and dad for many years. Their gift to all of us is the many memories that have filled our hearts. They will be missed but never forgotten.
Debbie RUTTKAMP
March 2, 2009
Dear Lee and Family:
My deepest condolences. Although I did not know your mom well, I did have the chance to meet and talk with her a few times. She will be missed deeply. It has been a difficult time the past six months, may you all have the strength you need in these times. My thoughts are will everyone.
Love, Debbie Ruttkamp
Sandy Blackstone Anotnellis
March 1, 2009
My Deepest Condolences to the Chu Family. I will always remember Betty greeting everyone with a smile asking how are you doing. My parents Bruce and Joyce Blackstone always up held Betty with most respect with working with everyone that wanted to learn.
Barbara Mantz
March 1, 2009
Since we moved into Shaw’s Landing we had as neighbors, Charles and Bettie, who were close friends and professional colleagues from Connecticut College. Bettie will always remain in my memory as reflected by the positive aphorisms she wrote and which blended lovingly into the paintings and calligraphy of her husband’s work. They will be missed but always remembered and our thoughts, prayers, and gratitude reach out to their family.
Arlan and Barbara Mantz
Leah Eldridge
March 1, 2009
My deepest condolences to the Chu family. I have had the privilege of getting to know Bettie over the past year and am thankful that I had the opportunity to become a friend. She has been a pleasure to have as a member of our community here at Curves. She will be missed greatly by all who had the joy of knowing her.
Ed Edgar
March 1, 2009
My sincerest condolences at this time to Paula and the rest of the family. A very difficult year for the family. Find strength in each other and savor the memories.
Jerry Fischer
March 1, 2009
Lee and family:
I was at the Lyman Allyn Museum a few weeks ago to select a work of art for a "community favorites " show, and saw Bettie come into to the exhibit of your Dad's works. We had a nice short conversation and then I left her to go up to the vault. It seemed as if she was visiting her husband while walking through the exhibit. She was very peaceful and content. You are all lucky to have had such warm and wonderful people as parents. They left a great legacy in the people they touched...
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