Elizabeth Hogarth

Elizabeth Hogarth, a long time Westfield resident, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Betsy died peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Betsy was 57 years old. Betsy is survived by her husband, Richard L. Hogarth, and is the proud and ever loving mother of three children and one grandchild, Dr. Megan E. Nervi currently residing in Cranford, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Stephen J. Nervi, Ryan M. Hogarth, currently residing in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife Nicole Duis Hogarth and their daughter Olive Elizabeth, and Taylor L. Hogarth, currently residing in Westfield. Betsy is survived by three siblings, Robert M. Bechert of Essex, Connecticut, Kimberly Bechert, of Snellville, Georgia and Charles F. Bechert of Stamford, Connecticut as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, brother and sister in laws, nieces and nephews from both the Hogarth and Bechert families. Betsy was born in Goshen, New York to Robert C. and June Bechert. Betsy was raised in Stamford, Connecticut, attended Roxbury Elementary, Dolan Middle and graduated from Rippowam High School in 1970. Growing up, Betsy was affiliated with The First Congregational Church of Stamford during which she was a member of the junior choir. Betsy was a natural athlete participating on the Winged Foot Golf Club Swim Team as both a swimmer and diver, and was a member of her High School tennis team and cheerleading squad. Betsy then pursued a 2 year degree in Art at Marjory Webster Junior College outside of Washington, D.C. Betsy was the editor and chief of her college year book. In January of 1973 Betsy joined United Airlines as a Flight Attendant. Over the next thirty plus years Betsy traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. Jet setting was always one of her most cherished pastimes both on the job and with her family. During her tenure with United she visited London, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, and Tokyo to name a few cities. Betsy also attended the Olympic Games in Lillehammer and Barcelona during her career with United. In addition, Betsy enjoyed vacationing with her family in Folly Beach, South Carolina, Vail and Pueblo, Colorado, Madison, Connecticut as well as other destinations in the United States and the Caribbean. Suffice it to say, if Betsy wasn't off enjoying a beloved vacation spot, she was planning the next time she and her family would be! Betsy was a very devoted mother. She was always active in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Franklin School PTA, and the Franklin School Pumpkin Fair. Beyond this Betsy rarely missed a soccer, volleyball, baseball, lacrosse game or swim meet as Megan, Ryan and Taylor were growing up. This past spring the Fairleigh Dickinson University 2009 Men's lacrosse team, a Division III NCAA National Tournament participant team, honored Betsy with the Fan of The Year award. The award was presented by her son, Taylor, a team captain, along with his teammates at the season ending award luncheon. There was not a dry eye in the house. Fighting the illness, Betsy did not miss one game, home or away and traveled 400 miles to Lexington, Virginia for the NCAA Division III opening round game versus Washington and Lee University. Always the cheerleader, Betsy encouraged her children to get after it with passion. She was and always will be their biggest fan. Betsy was also very creative and musical inclined. It was not uncommon to find her blasting her favorite tunes, or drawing her husband, two boys and son-in-law into the kitchen to join her for a quick dance to Barry White or Tony Bennett to name a few. Betsy also loved to laugh and always enjoyed her sons' and daughters' latest TV impressions and Saturday Night Live skits. Only on rare occasion would Betsy not be one to keep the party going. After retiring on June 30, 2003, Betsy took time to play a lot of golf with family and friends, garden with her husband and work on numerous craft projects. In 2006 Betsy obtained her real estate license and affiliated with Prudential New Jersey Properties in Westfield. Unfortunately this experience was shortened by the onset of her illness, an illness that has taken her from us all far too soon. Her zest and love for life remains with all those who know her and always will. We are all the better for the opportunity to know and love her. A memorial service is being planned for Tuesday, December 22nd at 12:00 PM at The First Congregational Church of Westfield on Elmer Street. A reception for family and friends will take place immediately following the memorial service. A private burial service at Woodland Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut will take place at a later date. Arrangements by the Gray Funeral Home in Westfield, NJ.