Gehris, Elizabeth
Elizabeth (Betty) Gehris beloved daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandmother and friend passed away March 2, 2024 after courageously fighting pancreatic cancer. She was an amazing wife, homemaker, and subsequent caretaker to her husband and when Jesus called him home not 5 short days ago, Betty could rest her weary head down knowing they would be reunited soon.
Born February 17, 1938 in Collinswood New Jersey the daughter of the late Mildred and Edward Jones she grew up the apple of her older siblings eyes. The baby of the family she was spoiled by her late siblings Benjamin (Ben) Jones, Joseph (Joe) Jones, Ruth Jones and Janet (Jones) Tyler. Betty filled us with joy of stories of her upbringing including sitting on the stairs and begging Benny to buy her an ice cream cone, which he always did. Or the many tales of her football hero Joe. She looked up to her sisters Ruth and Janet and loved spending time with them.
Betty attended Moore College of Art where she received a diploma in Fashion Design. On her first day of college, she boarded the bus with seats facing each other and saw a girl who stated, “Are you Jonzi?” and she said “Are you Mikki?” and a friendship of 60 plus years was born. Betty met her husband Peter while living in Pennsylvania. They married in New Jersey in 1963 and quickly moved to Connecticut. Betty spent many years working fashion in some capacity. Whether she was a buyer or designer she excelled in fashion. Betty worked for a period of time designing toys for the Ka-klar Toy company in Manchester CT, until sadly the factory closed. They welcomed their first child, Jonathan, in 1970 through adoption. She said she fell in love with him after seeing his first photo. Her second child, Jeremy, was welcomed in 1974 and she devoted the rest of her life being an incredible homemaker, wife, and mother. She is the original founder of the Down to Earth Garden club of South Windsor Connecticut, a certified Master Gardener and was an incredible wealth of knowledge for all plants. She didn’t just have a green thumb she was the hulk when it came to flowers. Her knowledge of design and fashion came in handy when making and creating amazing dresses for her beloved granddaughters. Her family will cherish her scrumptious meal creations, the way she would find the perfect card or gift meant just for you, and her devotion to her husband, children, family, and friends. Betty was predeceased by her parents Edward and Mildred Jones, her siblings Benjamin Jones, Joseph Jones, Ruth Jones, and Janet (Jones) Tyler. She was predeceased by her son Jeremy and her husband Peter. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to her son Jonathan and his wife Tina for their care over the last several months. Betty also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Ashley, with her great grandbaby on the way, and her husband Nick Puniello; Nicholas Gehris, P.J. and his wife Reagan Gehris, and Noah Gehris. Betty also leaves behind her son Jeremy’s family, her daughterin-law Sharon along with her grandchildren Crystal and Trent Gehris. Betty made many special friends throughout her life, the TNT’S, Mikki, Emily, Caroline and so many more. She will especially miss her special relationship with her sister-in-law Jane Gehris. Betty leaves behind many adored nieces and nephews whose phone calls, cards, and their “How you doings” always made her smile and warmed her heart. There will be a celebration of life for Betty on Friday, March 15, 2024, 11 a.m., at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor.
Her favorite flowers were calla lilies and daisies. She rarely couldn’t name a plant, tree, or flower. Now she flies with her beloved butterflies, and we will miss her, her constant requests for hugs-which was a favorite of the family and her beautiful smile. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to The Hartford Foundation of Public Giving-the Gehris Family Fund established to support the 501C charities that are special to the Gehris family. Lastly Jon and Tina want to extend their sincere thanks to their children, family, friends, and the caretakers from The Key who made the last 10 months bearable. It does take a village and you have our gratitude and love.
For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com