Sally Atwater Havens

Sally Atwater Havens, age 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at her residence surrounded by family and a wonderful team of caregivers. She was the wife of the late Richard W. Havens, and was predeceased by her first husband, Daniel O. Bettle.

Born in Fall River, the daughter of the late David and Eleanor (Bartlett) Atwater, Sally was a longtime resident of Little Compton, Rhode Island, as well as Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.

A graduate of Lincoln School in Providence, class of 1944, she later graduated from Pine Manor Junior College and Katharine Gibbs College.

Sally had a true zest for life, which she shared generously with all she crossed paths with. In her youth, she was known for her flaming red hair and an affably mischievous streak. She was an active and involved member of a variety of organizations including the Sakonnet Golf Club, Little Compton Garden Club, Warren’s Point Beach Club, Sakonnet Point Club, St. Andrew’s By the Sea; and the Acorn Club, Gulph Mills Golf Club and Merion Cricket Club around Philadelphia. She loved winning teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and Phillies, and later, the Boston Red Sox and Patriots (though she didn’t care for Tom Brady!). She enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and activities including gardening, playing bridge, tennis and traveling. Even in her 90s she went on safari in South Africa and traveled with her family to Venice.

She was a much beloved mother and stepmother. Sally is survived by two daughters; Eleanor “Ellie” Bettle of Newport, RI and Dorothy Bettle of Cochranville, PA; two sons, David A. Havens and his wife Louise of New Canaan, CT and Daniel Bettle of Silt, CO; one stepson, Peter J. Havens and his wife Susanna of Austin, TX; four stepdaughters; Carolyn L. “Wendy” Wood of Hollywood, FL, Peggy Barrett and her husband Richard of Invermere, British Columbia, Ann McIlvain and her husband Alan of Rosemont, PA, and Jane Tellor and her husband Mike of Englewood, FL; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was the stepmother of the late Richard W. Havens and sister to the late David “Tiny” Atwater Jr., Damaris “Dicie” Atwater, Eleanor “Nunny” Byers and Nathaniel B. Atwater.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, October 28 2023 at 11:30 AM in St. Andrews by the Sea, 182 Willow Avenue, Little Compton, RI. Relatives and friends are invited.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Nancy Brayton Nursing Wellness Center, 115 E Main Rd, Little Compton, Rhode Island, 02837.