Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Belden, age 88 of Shelton, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at her home. Betty was born in Shelton on August 4, 1934, daughter of the late Joseph and Ann Petrovich Simmon. She was a life-long resident of Shelton and communicant of St. Joseph Church.
Betty is survived by her four sons, Richard and wife Beverly of Shelton, Gary and wife Karen of Derby, Donald and wife Anne of Sarasota, FL, and Steven and wife Anne of North Billerica, MA. She was proud to be the loving grandmother “Gram” of Bryan, Matthew (Jen), Michael, Michelle, Nicholas, Halle, Scott, Shawn, and Christian and great-grandmother “Amma” of Anabelle, Amery, Garhett, Riley, Emma, Harley, and Lily. Betty was the loving aunt to her sister Ginny’s sons, Russell (Colleen), James/Chick (Sheila), Alfred (Nancy), Robert (deceased), William, and Thomas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Virginia “Ginny” and Alfred “Al” Tortora.
Betty was a graduate of Shelton High School, and enjoyed being a cheerleader there and owned/operated a dance school while attending school. She enjoyed planning class reunions with her friends. Betty worked in various jobs throughout her life, but her life revolved around family. When not working, she spent a good part of her adult years supporting her boys in sports, social occasions, and church activities (Mother’s Club, Rosary Society, Carnival Committee; chairing the raffle committee and then became one of the pizza frite ladies.)
Betty loved her family, loved to dance, loved to clean, and loved to talk. Sometimes all at once. While raising her children, it was not unusual for Betty to come home from work, cook the family dinner while talking on the phone with Ginny and dancing with the vacuum.
Later in life, Betty enjoyed polka dancing with her crew, playing cards with her friends at The Ripton, keeping things clean, and doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleader! Betty was a voracious reader and enjoyed nothing better than a good book and a hot cup of tea.
Betty will be missed by many for her selfless, caring ways. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at St. Joseph Church in Shelton. A private burial will take place at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who are so inclined are encouraged to make memorial donations to Center Stage Theater where she enjoyed many performances or St. Vincent de Paul Society. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.
