Elizabeth (nee Hazelwood) Scott-Schenk passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021. Betty was born on August 19, 1921 to Priest and Honor Hazelwood in Henderson, Kentucky. She grew up on a farm; as a girl, she rode a horse to school, and on Sundays drove to church in a horse and buggy.
In her early 20s, she took a two week vacation to Boston, where she met Wallace Scott. She said the moment she saw him, she knew he was the man for her; he always joked “I didn’t have a chance!” She extended her vacation by two weeks, and shortly after she returned to Kentucky, Wally mailed her a diamond and a letter asking her to marry him. Her parents were horrified - to a Yankee! In Massachusetts! After one month! - but she knew what she wanted, and they enjoyed a strong and loving union until Wally’s death in 1988.
Later in life, Betty was blessed to find a kind and gentle companion in Richard Schenk, and married him in 1989. They lived in Florida before moving to Glenmeadow in 2006 to be closer to family. At Glenmeadow, Mom worked in the store, participated on committees, and was loved by all for her sweet and friendly nature. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.
Her Christadelphian faith was very important to her; she attended faithfully and was church organist for many years. She also taught Sunday School, helped run the Bible School, and was active in many areas.
Betty was devoted to her family, and will be deeply missed by her three daughters and their husbands: Susan Kelley and Rick Johnson of Westfield, Robin and David Griggs of North Reading, and Marihonor Flagg and Gary Lanier of Enfield. She leaves behind grandchildren Joanna Ryals, Jessica Griggs, David W. Griggs, Katharine Barnaby, and William Flagg Jr, and great grandchildren Morgan, Mitchell, Jolie, Lucia, Lina, Grayson and Aaliyah. She also leaves behind her sister, Mary Honor Gregory of Henderson, Kentucky, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was predeceased in death by her husband Wallace, her husband Richard Schenk, her brothers Bill and Andy Hazelwood, her son-in-law Bill Flagg, and her grandson Scott Kelley.
Betty’s family would like to express their gratitude to the kind and compassionate staff at Glenmeadow who cared for her so well. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations to the Staff Education Fund at Glenmeadow.
Burial is private. Funeral services will be held at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St, East Longmeadow, MA on Saturday, April 10. Calling hours are from 1:00 to 2:00, with the service beginning at 2:00. The services will be livestreamed.
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Due to Covid concerns, there will be no gathering after the ceremony, but a Celebration of Life party will be held in August, on what would have been Betty’s 100th birthday.