Elizabeth "Betty" Pewitt, age 78, of Sterling Heights, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and selflessness. A devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, Betty is survived by her only son Michael (Julie) Rivers, her adored grandsons Eric and Dominic; sister Connie Kostrick; her cherished Goddaughter and niece Lynn (Joe) Cunningham and many more nieces and nephews. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Milton “Gene” Pewitt and Julia Pewitt and sisters, Denise Bryan and Mary Blewett.
Betty received her master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University in 1988 and devoted over 36 years to the healthcare industry. Her career included time at Henry Ford Continuing Care and Evangelical Holmes, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and care. Betty enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including watching movies and Tiger’s baseball, yelling at the TV during Red Wing’s games and collecting antiques. Betty had a special bond with the family dog, Bandit, and shared her home with a spoiled house cat named Perry for many years.
Betty put her vibrant personality on display through colorful outfits, hair dyed to match the season, and festive pins on her sweaters to celebrate the holidays. She had a special way of making everyone around her feel loved, with “just because” gifts, simple texts or phone calls, and kind words and gestures. Betty raised Michael alone, and as a single parent, she made Michael the center of her world and made countless sacrifices to ensure that her son had everything he needed to succeed in life. Betty’s life was a testament to her selflessness and her deep love for her family and friends. She lived life fully, putting everyone before herself and always spreading joy to those around her. Betty will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A visitation for Betty will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:00 am at Resurrection Funeral Home. Friends may visit on Saturday beginning at 9:30 am. Betty will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, MI.
The family request that during their time of grief as they lay Betty to rest, in lieu of flowers, gifts be directed to her son, Michael Rivers.