Banning, Elizabeth L (Cortucci)

Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Banning, nee Cortucci, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 20th, 2023. Having grown up in the New London area, Betty had the love of the ocean in her heart. In 1966, she graduated Uconn as an English major. There she met her true love, David L. Banning and married shortly after graduation. She then became a social worker for the State of Connecticut where she developed a love for helping people in dire situations. In 1972, she extended that desire to help others when she became one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and as such she enjoyed helping people grow in their relationship with God for over 50 years. Around this time, they moved to Enfield to raise her daughter, Rosanne.

Betty and her husband Dave adventured, going from place to place, including her favorite trip to Germany for an international convention of Jehovah's Witnesses. Eventually they found Ogunquit to be their much-loved place together. Her last day was spent traveling up the entire length of Lake George, something she had wanted to do for years. She reveled in the sunlit mountains reflecting off the lake as she spent the day with a large smile. People remember her kindness, sage advice, and willingness to try new things. She was also known for her interest in people and could often be seen writing encouraging letters to her neighbors, even into her final weeks. She is survived by her daughter Rosanne Ely and her husband Floyd Ely, her grandchildren Marissa Luther and Rocco Petitto, and her half-sister Diana Mcnichol as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 55 years, David Banning, her brother Arthur Cortucci, Jr., her father Arthur Cortucci Sr., and her mother Catherine Funk.

A memorial talk for Betty will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023, 4 p.m. at the Enfield Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 322 North Maple St, Enfield, CT., reception to follow. To receive a Zoom link please email bettybanningmemorial@gmail.com .