Elizabeth “Betty” Keller Minor, 86, Died; Lifelong Volunteer, Dedicated Saugatuck Congregational Church Deacon
Obituary
Elizabeth (Ann) Keeler Minor passed away peacefully on October 7, 2021 in Waterboro, Maine, surrounded by her loving family.
Betty was born on in Whitinsville, MA, the daughter of Theresa Frieswyk Keeler (d. 1977) and William Seth Keeler (d. 1946). Because Betty's father died when she was only 11 years old, Theresa returned to the workforce and raised Betty, her older sister June (Garriepy [d. 2007]) and younger brother Billy (William Seth Keeler [Janet]) all while caring for the rest of the town of Sutton as its Director of Welfare.
Betty excelled in academics and sports, and perhaps it was seeing a life of service modeled in her strong mother that led her to pursue nursing school. However, in 1953, her life took a sweet detour when she followed her soldier-husband Norman Minor to Fort Benning (GA) where they started their family. With heart and grace she raised her five children — Susan Casty, Kevin Minor (Diane), Jennifer Elliott (Brad), John Minor (Wendy) and James Minor (Laura) — wherever home would be. She would return to school years later to complete her degree at Mallinckrodt College (now Loyola University) in Wilmette, IL.
After moving to Westport, CT in 1978, she began working in obstetrician/gynecologists' offices where she found fulfilling work and a great circle of friends. In retirement, Betty continued to actively volunteer in her church and community including PEO International, a philanthropic organization for the education and advancement of women; and in founding and running Lifelong Learners in Fairfield, an educational program for seniors who share a love of learning.
While volunteering at the Red Cross, Betty met Richard Ross (d. 2018) and his daughter Allison Mathis (Clayton), and thus began a Second Act filled with theater, art galleries, museums, and travel. She also loved traveling with her daughters (to the Netherlands, Paris, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Costa Rica) and with her friends (Italy, Budapest, Bratislava, Austria, Prague).
She enjoyed fashion and had a great sense of style. She was playful, fun, loved to laugh and dance; and she was the Queen of Zingers, delivered with a twinkle and a wink. She welcomed one and all to her warm home, which was often filled with the fragrance of her luscious apple pies or delicious hermits. Friends and family who found solace there sometimes remarked on the amount of laughter that was heard in Betty's house.
Betty was thrilled to welcome each of her fourteen grandchildren (William Minor [d. 2005], Lauren Boros [Brandon], Katy Tomasini [Taylor], David Elliott [Leticia], Jeffrey Elliott [Hannah], Jordan Casty, Abby Chau [Hong], Timothy Elliott, Joseph Minor, Juan Minor, Zachary Minor [Celia], Alvaro Minor, Ileana Minor, and Ella Minor), as well as Richard's two grandchildren, Colter and Sydney. She later welcomed her seven great-grandchildren (Rebekah, Sienna, Sarah, Sloane, David, Theodore, and William Wells). Each one had a special place in her heart, and they all called her Nanny.
Betty trusted Jesus as her Savior at an early age, studying the Bible and actively participating at her beloved Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, CT, where she served as a deacon.
Seven years ago, Betty began her struggle with the horrors of Alzheimer's, but her kindness, playfulness and sweet spirit never faded through the onslaught of this terrible disease. She had that beautiful smile that made you feel special and loved, up until the end.
We will celebrate Betty's life at Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Rd E., Westport, CT, on November 13th, 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery (Whitinsville, MA) on November 14th, 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch at the farm of her dear brother, Uncle Billy and Aunt Janet.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William R. Minor Foundation (www.williamminor.com), which provides libraries and educational opportunities to disadvantaged children in Nicaragua in honor of Betty's beloved grandson William.