Betty Armstrong

Betty Armstrong Fenasci, resident of Baton Rouge, died on Friday, July 7, 2023, at the age of 79, after a yearlong battle with leukemia. She was born on October 7, 1943 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital (which Betty was always quick to point out was actually on a lake when she was born). She was a proud graduate of Baton Rouge High School in 1961 and Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia in 1965, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. She received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver in 1970. She worked as a clinical social worker in Texas for 3 years and Colorado for 6 years, and then in private practice in Baton Rouge for over 40 years, specializing in individual psychotherapy. She supervised graduate students at the LSU Mental Health Center and also candidates for their LCSW. Betty was a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Association of Clinical Social Workers in Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Symphony, Baton Rouge Green, Bocage Racquet Club, and University Presbyterian Church, of which her parents were charter members and where Betty was the first baby to be baptized.

Connecting with others was of profound importance to Betty. It was at the core of her professional and personal life. Most important to Betty was her family. She was married for 31 years to Ronald Fenasci and was intensely proud of their four children and ten grandchildren. Despite being a blended family, she never distinguished between his and hers, loving each in full measure.

Betty was a dedicated and active member of multiple groups in Baton Rouge, including book club, peer group, Red Shoes group, and a 60+ year friendship with her Lunch Bunch. During her lifetime involvement with University Presbyterian Church, she was a Deacon, an Elder, and a member of the choir and nurture committee. She loved her neighbors and was proud of the yard that she and Ronnie so lovingly tended, being awarded Garden of the Month several times by the neighborhood association. She was an avid walker, not resting until she had reached - at least - her daily goal of 12,500 steps. She was a voracious reader and spent many hours in the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library. Travel was also a big part of Betty’s life. She and Ronnie traveled the globe and she was equally enthusiastic about an African safari as she was about a spontaneous drive to Destin for dinner. Such was her adventurous spirit. Though small in stature, Betty occupied a large place in every community she was a part of. Her absence will be greatly felt by all who knew and loved her.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Wallace Faris Armstrong and Eileen Ratterree Armstrong, and her infant grandson, Matthew Francis Bienvenu. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald Francis Fenasci and, between them, their four children: Sean Michael Kirby (Kim) of Maurepas, Louisiana; Rachel Ann Kirby of Seattle, Washington; Jeanne Fenasci Bridgers (James) of Wellesley, Massachusetts; and Yvonne Fenasci Bienvenu (Michael) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and ten grandchildren: Michael Paul Bienvenu, Jr. (Caroline) of Houston, Texas; Claire Yvonne Bienvenu of Washington, D.C.; Edward Parry Bridgers of Wellesley, Massachusetts; Eloise Margaret Bridgers of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Andrew Mark Bienvenu of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Stephen Thomas Bienvenu of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Benjamin Michael Kirby of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Henry Francis Bridgers of Wellesley, Massachusetts; Milo Louis Cibelli of Olympia, Washington; and Caitlin Lucille Kirby of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is also survived by her three brothers: George Alexander Armstrong of Dutchtown, Louisiana; Robert Calvin Armstrong (Deborah) of Lexington, Massachusetts; and William Wallace Armstrong (April) of Fort Davis, Texas.

Visitation will be at University Presbyterian Church, 3240 Dalrymple Drive in Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 1 pm with funeral service following at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to University Presbyterian Church or another charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Greenoaksfunerals.com for the Armstrong family.