Elizabeth Neill Schach

Betty was born September 18, 1942, in New London, CT to Sally and Edward Neill of Niantic. She grew up in the Black Point area, attending primary school in East Lyme before graduating from New London High School in 1961. She later enrolled at Willimantic State College, soon to be known at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Betty found work as a secretary before meeting and marrying George Clarke in 1966. She then worked at Clarke Family Insurance Company in New London with George. They welcomed a son, Edward into the world in March of 1968. Betty and George divorced in 1977. She subsequently married Kent Schach on December 23, 1977. The two were happily married for the next 47 years of her life, enjoying travel, fine food, and the leafy tranquility of their Saunders Point home.

After her retirement from the Bailey Insurance Agency in New London, Betty immersed herself in the community of Saunder's Point and its Oswegatchie Hills Club, serving, along with her husband Kent, on its Board of Directors for over 25 years. She served the club in a multitude of capacities, including secretary, assistant treasurer, and (ask anyone) the de facto club historian.

In later years, Betty kept busy with activities such as sewing, cooking, collecting, and visiting relatives. No one could sew a decorative wall hanging or a cozy quilt like Betty. Anyone ever invited to their home could attest to what a fabulous cook she was, well versed in wines, cheeses, and the techniques of her beloved Julia Child. From Beanie Babies to a remarkable assemblage of Miss Piggy memorabilia, she was a collecting queen and nothing brought Betty more joy that to travel to Key West Florida to spend time with her grandson George, II.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Sarah (Bykowsky) Neill. She is survived her husband Kent, son Edward Clarke, daughter-in-law Judith (Steele) Clarke, and grandson George Clarke, II.

Betty will be laid to rest at Old Stone Church Burial Ground in East Lyme. Arrangements will be handled by Fulton-Theroux Funeral Services of Niantic. Memorial Services will be private. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation can be forwarded to the Oswegatchie Hills Club of Saunder's Point, PO Box 141 Niantic, CT 06357 www.ohcniantic.org