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S H A R E
Elizabeth Starks Ivanowsky
Betty
May 2, 1918 – October 30, 2016
Elizabeth “Betty” Starks Ivanowsky, 98, of The Ridge at Riverwoods, Exeter, NH, died Sunday, October 30th.
She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 2, 1918 daughter of Samuel E and Minnie (Brasie) Starks. She and her brothers Donald and Roger grew up on Newington Avenue in Hartford. Betty was active in Girl Scouts as a child attending Camp Alice Merit in Easy Hartland, CT as a camper and counselor. She graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1934, worked a year for the Travelers Insurance Co. and then attended Simmons College in Boston. While in college she earned a BS Degree in Nursing and as a student was featured in a 1939 Life Magazine article on caring for premature babies at Boston Lying-In Hospital now Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Following graduation Betty went to work with the VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) in Hartford riding her VNA issued bicycle to visit her patients. She was also called to help in the temporary morgue set up after the Circus Fire of 1944. She continued to work in various nursing roles until her retirement in 1976 from her position as an instructor in the LPN program at A.I. Prince Technical School.
She married Mitchel S Ivanowsky August 14, 1943 at Broadview Church in Hartford, CT. They moved to a cabin replete with few amenities and several chickens on Cedar Mountain in Newington during World War II. After the war they developed Cedarwood Lane, built 2 homes there and raised a family.
Betty was an active leader in Girl Scouts in Newington during the 1960’s. Betty and Mitch were both graduates of Bulkeley High where Mitch taught and was vice-principal. They regularly attended school plays, sporting events and Betty especially loved going to the prom every year. She loved to sew and their home was filled with her handiwork including quilts and braided rugs. Her piano playing was enjoyed by all. The love of the outdoors and wanderlust were fundamental in the family activities that included camping in all 50 states, all the territories and provinces of Canada, and portions of Mexico. Weekends were spent at the family cottage in Madison, CT; camping in Vermont; and entertaining friends and family that always included wonderfully prepared meals. Betty and her husband resided in Newington until 1978 when they moved to Walden, Vermont. During retirement they also continued to camp and travel including several trips to Europe with the Hartford Retired Teachers Organization. They were involved with the Walden United Methodist Church where she was the organist and they were members of the Vermont 251 club having visited all the towns of Vermont.
In 1987, Betty moved to Exeter, NH, spending her last 11 years at The Ridge at Riverwoods. Betty continued to travel including a third trip to Alaska. She was noted for her fine needle work which decorated her home and the homes of many friends. In 2009 her works were collected and put on exhibit at Riverwoods.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Janis and Sean Tierney of Exeter, NH; and a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Ivanowsky and Nancy Kane of Dalton, MA. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren including: Elizabeth (Bailey) Clark, her husband Justin and their daughter, Samantha of Exeter, NH; Benjamin Bailey, his wife Callie (Quintal) and their daughter Adalyn of Stratham, NH; Kelsey Martz and her husband Richard of Columbus, OH; Sarah Tierney of Wolfeboro, ME; Roger Ivanowsky and his wife Mallory of Lee, MA; Rachel Ivanowsky of Cambridge MA; and Nathan Ivanowsky of Dalton, MA. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Viola Starks of Bonita Springs, FL.
She leaves 2 nieces and 3 nephews including: Elaine Pennella of New London, CT; Tanya Repoli of Port St. Lucie, FL; Michael Starks of Baldwin, MD; Bill Starks of Estero, FL, and Jack Starks of Newington, CT.
She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Mitchel S Ivanowsky on November 29, 1986; and two brothers: In 1943, Roger Starks and in 2012, Donald Starks. She was also predeceased by her sister in-law, Helen Johnson, in 2008 and her brother-in-law, Frank Ivanowsky in 1963.
There will be a memorial service Saturday, November 12, starting at 3:00 p.m. at The Ridge at Riverwoods, Exeter, NH.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Saturday, November 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, CT. She will be laid to rest with her husband in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington, immediately following the calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to Spencer Scholarship Fund, Riverwoods Charitable Fund, 5 White Oak Dr., Exeter, NH 03833. The scholarships are for nurses furthering their education.
Visitation -
Saturday, November 19, 201611 am - 1 pmNewington Memorial Funeral Home20 Bon Air AveNewington, CT Memorial Service -
Saturday, November 12, 20163 pmThe Ridge at RiverwoodsExeter, New HampshireInterment -
Burial will be in the West Meadow CemeteryNewington, CT
