Helen “Betty” Elizabeth Wambaugh Smith Saco

September 3, 2022

Helen Elizabeth Wambaugh Smith Saco, a.k.a. Betty Saco, passed away peacefully, September 3, 2022, at Pomperague Woods, Southbury, CT, surrounded by loving family. Betty was 93. She was born on December 22, 1928, Elkhart, Indiana, to Fred W. Wambaugh, and Sarah “Isabel” Mutschler Wambaugh. Her home on the bank of the St. Joseph River began her lifelong love of being on the water; boating, swimming, fishing, and later; cruising destinations along Long Island Sound, and vacationing on Block Island.

At Elkhart High School (Class of ‘47), she was a member of community service group, The Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and lead the Elkhart High School Marching Band as the Drum Majorette. After graduating with a business degree from Stephens College, Columbia, MO (Class of ‘49), she moved to New York City, and worked as a dress designer’s model in NYC’s garment industry. She married Robert G. Smith, in 1952. Soon after, they moved to Norwalk, CT where she raised two daughters and became active in the community. Betty was a 50 year member of the Norwalk Federated Women’s Club, which raised money for many community causes. She served as the club President from 1975-1977, and as Chairman of the CT State Arts and Crafts for 2 years. She served on The Board of Trustees of the Norwalk YMCA for many years.

Betty married her second husband, Kenneth T. Saco, in 1979. The two lived by the water, in Rye, NY, and opened a graphic design firm; Ken Saco Associates, which they ran together for 25 years. In 2007, Betty and Ken moved to Oxford Greens, in Oxford, CT where they were active members of the Oxford Greens Camera Club. Betty’s photography won multiple awards at the Pomperague Woods, “Art of Experience” annual art shows. Betty and Ken shared a love of sailing, flying their plane, photography, and closely following the UConn Husky Girls’ Basketball team. In 2017 Betty moved to Pomperague Woods, Southbury, CT, where she lived happily for her last years.

Betty was fun-loving, thoughtful, and creative, with a great eye, and sense of style. She exhibited, and won many awards for her photography, quilts, and stitchery. She was a gourmet cook, who loved to entertain her family, and friends. Betty was a generous spirit, and a friend to all. She is missed.

Betty is survived by daughters Leslie E. Smith, Lindsey J. Smith Hill, Son-in-law George Hill, Stepdaughter Karen Saco, Stepson Mark Saco (Monica), Grandchildren; Joshua Saco (Sophia), Steven Saco (Michelle), Avery Saco, Sara L. Jackson, Anusha Saco, Great-Grandchildren Ellie Saco, Sophia Saco. Betty is predeceased by her sisters Sarah “Sally” W. Hallowell, Nancy W. Hale, and her husbands, Robert G. Smith, and Kenneth T. Saco.

Final arrangements have been made by MunsonLovetere Funeral Home, Woodbury, CT.

A Celebration of Life for Betty Saco will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022. For more information email: lesfiberart@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to; Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury –info@safehavenofgw. org, or PAWS, Pet Animal Welfare Society of CT- ellen. simmonds@pawsct.org