Mary Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Sylvernale

LAKEVILLE — Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Sylvernale, 88, of East Hartford, Conn., and Ashland, N.H., died at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia, N.H., on July 15, 2011, following a brief illness.She was born in Lakeville on Jan. 12, 1923, the daughter of Ruth (Piester) and George Sylvernale. She grew up in Lakeville and graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School.Following her school years she was employed at Pratt & Whitney for a short period. She later was employed at Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company in Hartford, retiring after 36 years. Starting in the 1950s she summered on Little Squam Lake in Ashland. Betsy enjoyed travel in the United States and Europe, golf, reading, chopping firewood and swimming.She is survived by a brother, Robert Sylvernale, of Diamond Springs, Calif.; a sister, Audrey Carlson, of Glastonbury, Conn.; many nieces and nephews; and her longtime friend, Carlye Brotherton of East Hartford.No services are scheduled at this time. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. The Dupuis Funeral Home in Ashland has charge of arrangements.

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