Betty Ann Turner Nichols Thresher

Betty Ann Turner Nichols Thresher died peacefully in Naugatuck, CT. on August 7, 2018 at the age of 88.  Betty is survived by her devoted second husband, William Thresher, her daughter Janet Moulton and husband Curt, grandchildren Jeffrey, Stephen, James, and Michael Nichols, Emily and Melissa Moulton, and great-grandson Bryson Nichols.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, George W. Nichols, and two of their children, John and Susan Nichols. Betty was born on November 27, 1929 in Port Chester, New York to Harry and Elizabeth (nee Fletcher) Turner. She graduated from F.E. Bellows High School with honors and later earned her BSW from Iona College. Betty and George grew up together in Mamaroneck, NY. They married on May 5, 1951 at the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church.  Betty and George raised their family in Mamaroneck and enjoyed literally building their dream second home in Mt. Washington, MA.  Betty was always active in church and community volunteer work, not shying away from leadership roles. She was the first female Lay Leader of the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church, President of the Mamaroneck Women’s Club, a founder of the Mamaroneck Community Nursery School, and a volunteer with the Mamaroneck Senior Citizens.  Throughout her life, Betty was an avid crafter. Besides knitting for the family, Betty hand knit over 200 sweaters for children in need around the world. Christmas was a very exciting time for creative crafts and homemade cookies. In 1985, Betty and George sold their home in Mamaroneck, NY and settled into a condo in Boynton Beach, FL travelling from Massachusetts to Florida several times a year. Betty and George were active in the First United Methodist Church of Boynton Beach and Betty started the Boynton Lakes Chapter of AARP. Summers in Mt. Washington were spent tending to her wonderful flower and vegetable garden, working on the town fair, and travelling. Betty and George visited all fifty U.S. states. They also travelled around Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. George passed away in February 2005 after a decade long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Betty’s lifelong friend Evelyn passed away around the same time as George.  Betty and Evelyn’s husband William (Bill) Thresher found themselves spending time talking on the phone and sharing solace.  This solace developed into companionship and love.  Betty and Bill married on December 23, 2005 and they lived mostly in Boynton Beach, Florida and Richfield Springs, NY.  This past year was spent in Shelton, CT. Betty enjoyed the love and spirit of Bill’s large extended family.  A Service of Remembrance is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11:00a.m. at the Briarcliff Congregational Church, 30 South State Rd.  Briarcliff Manor, NY  10510 914-941-4368 followed by 2:00p.m. Interment at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, NY.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Heart Association. 

WATERBURY & KELLY FUNERAL HOME

1300 Pleasantville Road

Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510

914-941-0838

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