Betty-Jane (Ashton) Udal

Betty-Jane Udal, 87, died on Monday, March 5, 2018, at home in Willimantic, surrounded by her loving son Keith, daughter-in-law Linda, and friend Colleen Shashok. Betty-Jane was born on May 19, 1930 in Willimantic, CT to the late Arthur Vincent and Grace (Howlett) Ashton. One of six children, Betty-Jane was called home to her beloved brothers and sisters Pearl Herringer, Thomas Ashton, Eugene “Hoagie” Ashton, Patricia Healy, and Anne Grant.  After graduating from Windham High School in 1948 and beginning her life’s journey, Betty-Jane became the mother to her two cherished sons Keith and Wayne Udal. Betty dedicated her life to raising her sons as a strong, independent, mother and role model. The First Congregational Church of Willimantic served as a source of faith and support for Betty-Jane. A member of the church since 1944, Betty nurtured deep and lasting friendships with the congregants. Betty-Jane was an active member of the church in many ways, including singing in the choir and volunteering at many church functions. Her devotion to worship was a longstanding thread that unified her family in faith and love.  Anyone who knew Betty knew that there was nothing more important than family. A strong, feisty, family matriarch Betty was the tie that bound her family together. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and Gigi, who was a pillar of support and advice, sometimes unsolicited, to us all. Betty-Jane took much joy and pride in family and nurtured individual relationships with us all. In her later years, Betty-Jane enjoyed a strong and loving bond with her Great grandchild Grayson Keith. He was a constant source of pride, joy and friendship in her life. Betty-Jane’s strong loving presence will be missed by us all.  Betty is survived by her two sons, Keith Udal and his wife Linda and Wayne Udal. She is also survived by her three grandchildren and their spouses; Christian and Donna Udal, Erica Udal and Nicole and Sean McCracken as well as four great grandchildren; Christopher Udal, Alexis Udal, Grayson Hence and Mckenna Hence.  Per Betty-Jane’s request there will be no public services held. Betty will be cremated wearing her choir robe and yolk and interred at the Willimantic cemetery in the family plot. In the spring, there will be a Memorial Service to celebrate her life of devotion to church, family and friends.  In lieu of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Special Olympics of CT, an organization dear to Betty-Jane. Her grandson Grayson’s participation in the Connecticut Special Olympics was a source of such pride and joy to Betty. To donate in her memory please follow the link below:

https://give.specialolympics.org/page/contribute/connecticut

Our family is deeply grateful for the kindness, prayers and support from so many people but especially from Colleen Shashock, her devoted caretaker to the end and Masonicare Hospice who provided support and guidance in her final days. It is our family’s wish that all who pray with us, pay these kindnesses forward.

“Her step is music, her voice is song.”

For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

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