Obituary of Elizabeth Shay

CHESHIRE, CT - Elizabeth "Betty" Bristol Shay, 97, died peacefully in her sleep at Masonicare in Wallingford on Thursday November 17, 2011. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Hathaway Shay, in 1991. She was born on March 11, 1914 at home in Cheshire, daughter of late Drurie S. and Ellen (Bushnell) Bristol. Betty lived in Cheshire her entire life, attending high school in New Haven and Bradford Junior College in Massachusetts. She was a devoted member of St. Peter's Church in Cheshire; served 40 years as a volunteer at Gaylord Hospital; owned Bristol Insurance Agency; and was a member of the Cheshire Garden Club and Daughters of the American Revolution. Spending summers on Fairfield Beach with much of her family was one of the highlights of her recent years. Her family was a source of great joy and pride as she has left a wonderful legacy. Betty, "Mom", "Gram", "Mom Mom" is survived by her six children, her son William of Cheshire, son and daughter-in-law Paul and Robin of Cheshire, daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Raymond Johnson of Davenport, FL, daughter Ellen of Lexington, KY, son Richard of Frederick, MD, and daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Paul Sitar of Monroe, CT; 17 grandchildren: Paul, Kim, Sue, Guy, William, Michael, Richie, Betsy, Hilary, Becca, Matthew, Austin, Anthony, Matthew, Von, Logan, and Shay; 17 great-grandchildren: Megan, Ethan, Allison, Michael, Erin, Gray, Taylor, Blake, Linus, Elizabeth, Olivia, Rachel, Deegan, Hadley, Liliana, Margot, and Adam; and one great-great-grandchild, Leo. She was predeceased by her firstborn child, Suzanne as well as her brothers Paul and Donald. Her family would like to give special thanks to the Rev. Sandy Stayner of St. Peter's Church, to the staff of Polish Caregivers, and to the staff of Masonicare. Arrangements - Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 22, 2011 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 59 Main St., Cheshire. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. Friends will be received by the family at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 59 Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410 or to Gaylord Hospital P.O. Box 400 Wallingford, CT 06492. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements.