Elizabeth Ann (Peene) Melvin

Elizabeth "Betty" Melvin, a loving and gentle soul, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023 surrounded by family at Pierce Memorial Baptist Nursing Center in Brooklyn.  She was born on November 13, 1937, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut the daughter of Chester and Dorothy (Morgan) Peene.

Betty graduated from Windham High School (Class of 1956) and went on to pursue a career in Nursing. She retired as a RN from Norwich State Hospital, where she provided loving care and comfort to countless patients.  After her retirement, her new career began as “Grandma Betty” spending endless hours of fun with her grandson.

An accomplished knitter and needlepoint artist, Betty created beautiful works of art that were cherished by her loved ones.  She designed custom holiday stockings that have been used by her son and his family every year over last 20+ years.  She enjoyed making and donating several sweaters, scarfs and mittens for the church.  Betty spent time traveling with friends and family.  She made a cross country trek with girlfriends to California right after Nursing School.  She also shared memorable trips to Scotland, England, Wales and Bermuda with her sister.  Betty had a vast doll and toy bear collection that was her pride and joy.  She loved to display them and share their history when you stopped by to visit.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Thomas. She is survived by her devoted son, Dan and his wife Julie. Her grandson, Dakota, who held a special place in her heart, she cherished every moment spent with him. Betty and her sisters, Marjorie Peene, and Mary Lu Klosowski (predeceased) shared a lifelong bond of love and friendship. The Peene girls shared so much special time together.  Betty is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She enjoyed watching them grow and prosper with families of their own.  She also leaves behind her precious cat Misty who was a terror, but Betty loved her unconditionally.

Above all, Betty treasured spending time with her family. Their shared memories are filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of Betty's generous spirit.  Her fondness for ice cream was well-known, and she often shared this sweet treat including her signature ice box cake for family gatherings.  Betty believed that every problem could be solved with a scoop of the seasonal blueberry ice cream from Shady Glen.

The family would like to send out a special thanks to Pierce Care in Brooklyn.  We appreciate the kindness and professionalism from the staff at Creamery Brook and Pierce Memorial Baptist Nursing Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal shelter or ASPCA.  Elizabeth’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic., with her funeral service beginning at 11:00am. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Ann (Peene) Melvin, please visit our floral store.