Obituary of Elizabeth Stevens

"Easthampton- Elizabeth Stevens, 91, of Bassett Brook Dr. passed away December 16, 2008 at her home with family by her side. Born in Cummington on June 10, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Leon A. and Mari E. (Packard) Stevens. Elizabeth spent her childhood in Cummington before moving to Rhode Island to complete her Associates Degree at Bryant College. In 1939 she moved to Washington D.C. where she began her military experience and served her country in WWII for 3 years in the 8th Air Force, obtaining the rank of Sgt in WAC. Betty continued serving her country by working for several government offices and retiring after many years of employment as a clerk for the CIA. She was very active in her retirement in the Women's Overseas Service League, having held the position of President and also assisted with ongoing activities of the 8th Air Force Historical Society. In 1997, Betty moved to Easthampton to be closer to her roots. At The Lathrop Community she was involved with Busy Fingers, a knitting group that created much needed mittens and hats for unfortunate children around the world, and helped energetically with inside events and happenings at the Lathrop Community. Elizabeth was the eldest of five children and is survived by her sister Virginia Stevens Caldwell of Cummington and her brother John Leon Stevens, and his wife Frances also of Cummington along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her brother H.Austin Stevens and her sister Mari S. Hall. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at the Cummington Congregational Church on Main Street, January 18th at 4 PM with light refreshments in the vestry to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Cummington Congregational Church, c/o Scott Keith, 44 Main Street, Cummington, MA. 01026. Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. "