Elizabeth Johnson Hoyt

Bette is survived by her 3 daughters and their families: Terry (Hal) Shortsleeve of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Kim LaBarge of Middleboro, MA, and Blair Boyd of Bellingham, MA; 2 grandchildren and their families: Tyler (Liz) Shortsleeve of Boston, MA, and Ayla (Joe) Garneau of Woonsocket, RI; and 3 great-grandchildren: Illiana Nardozzi of Pound Ridge, NY, and Haydon Shortsleeve and Sutton Shortsleeve of Boston. She is also survived by 2 step-grandchildren Matt LaBarge of Newton, MA, and Melyssa Braman of Stoughton, MA; and 4 step-great-grandchildren: Olivia LaBarge and Charlotte LaBarge of Newton, MA, and Abigail Braman and Ava Braman of Stoughton, MA. She was predeceased by her grandson Tanner LaBarge of Florida.

Bette graduated from Nyack High School (where she was a cheerleader) in 1948. She loved all the big bands and music and dancing the lindy in the ‘40s. She graduated from Green Mountain Jr. College in Vermont where she majored in theater. She was proud to have had lead roles in every play during her 2 years there. It was one of the best times of her life!

With her first husband, John Blair Hamre, Bette raised her family in Westwood, and later Norwood, Massachusetts. She worked in office positions for a variety of companies outside of Boston. In her later retired life she lived in Blairsville, Georgia with her second husband James Henry Hoyt. She has lived with Hal and Terry Shortsleeve in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina for the past 8 years.

Bette enjoyed a love of music throughout her life. She whistled, sang, always had the radio going or asked Alexa for her favorite songs - including ‘60s and ‘70s music. During recent years when in the car, she would listen to Sirius Radio’s ‘40s station and identify every band, band leader, singer, and lyrics for almost every song! If it was a good song for dancing the lindy, she’d let you know.

Bette was friendly and outgoing. She would talk to everyone and anyone wherever she happened to be. Her colorful language and no-nonsense observations made people laugh! She was not afraid to explore new places, problem solve, or learn new things. For the past 5 years she flew on her own (with the aid of airport attendants) to MA to visit her daughters (and granddogs) for weeks at a time. She loved to watch football and was an avid Patriots/Tom Brady fan!

Her family is grateful for the kind and thoughtful care she received at Arbor Landing in Shallotte and Brunswick Health and Rehab Center in Ash during her final year of life.

No services are planned.

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel