Betty Louise Duryea, 87, a native and lifelong resident of South Egremont passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015.
Born at Turner Farm on September 30, 1927 she was the daughter of William and Louise Baldwin Turner. She was a 1945 graduate of the former Searles High School.
She drove a school bus for 42 years for the Southern Berkshire Regional School District. Throughout the years Betty worked for many families as both a housekeeper as well as a property manager.
An active member of her community, Betty was a founding member of the South Egremont Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the South Egremont Congregational Church as well as the Historical Society. An excellent baker she was always available to assist with any community supper or bazaar; whatever the town might need.
Betty enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid camper. She loved doing crafts especially hand hooked rugs, knitting and macramé chairs. Betty loved spending time with her family and enjoyed 23 remarkable years with her great granddaughter Erin Hennessey.
Betty is survived by her daughter Gail Hennessey and her son Daniel Duryea; four granddaughters Lisa Ecklund and her husband Eric, Jill Hennessey, Tasha Duryea and Amy Duryea; four great grandchildren, Erin Hennessey, Taylor Zucco, Payce and Ean Duryea.
She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years Arthur W. Duryea, Jr. who passed away on September 25, 2011. The couple was married on September 24, 1946 in South Egremont. She was also predeceased by her brothers Robert “Pinky” Turner and Frederick Turner.
A graveside service will be held in the spring.
Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the South Egremont Congregational Church through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to her family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.
