Elizabeth A.W. Tilghman

Elizabeth “Betty” Anderson Wright Baird Tilghman, 92, a sixty-three year resident of Annapolis, died peacefully on September 17, 2015 at Ginger Cover Retirement Community. Born on August 27, 1923 in Webster, Maryland, she was the daughter of Willard E. and Marie Anderson. Betty graduated first in her class from Havre de Grace High School in 1940 and The University of Maryland, College Park in 1943. Early in her life, she was employed as an elementary school teacher, ending her career at Germantown Elementary School, Annapolis, during the 1950’s. She then started an extensive period of volunteer work including holding the position of President of several organizations such as AAUW (American Association of University Women), The Auxiliary of Anne Arundel Medical Center, and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for which she wrote the “program notes” for each production for many years. She was also actively involved in the YWCA of Annapolis, Panhellenic Club of Annapolis, Rotary Inner Wheel, the Annapolis Yacht Club, the Elder Hostel organization and the Alberg 30 Sailing Association. An avid bird watcher, her interests also included extensive traveling, sailing, reading, gardening, genealogy, bridge, crossword puzzles, and music and art appreciation. Above all, she adored her family and enjoyed cooking for and celebrating with them. Betty was married for 40 years to John B. Wright, who died in 1986. She is survived by her children, Richard T. (Marcia) Wright of Annapolis, MD, David L. (Laury) Wright of Severna Park, MD, and Mary Ann W. (Steve) McHenry of Severna Park, MD; her grandchildren, Matthew (Caitlin) Wright, Brandon (Laura) Wright, Lindsay (Josh) Winger, Kevin Wright, Katie (Jon) Tasch, Courtney McHenry, Carly McHenry and Haley McHenry, and nine great-grandchildren. She is also predeceased by her husbands, Robert K. Baird and Thomas O. Tilghman, and survived by 5 step-children and 6 step-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 29th from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401. Her funeral service will be held at Heritage Baptist Church, 1740 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD. 21401 on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 10 AM. Internment Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made in Betty’s name to either the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra or the Anne Arundel Medical Center Auxiliary. Online condolences may be made to www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com