Elizabeth Mary (Fleurrey) Sibley

Elizabeth Mary Fleurrey Sibley, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 92 years old. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Affectionately called Betty by most, she often said she preferred to be called Grammie.

   Born on May 28, 1931, Betty was the daughter of Arthur Joseph Fleurrey and Elizabeth Mary Barry. She was the youngest of six children, and enjoyed her childhood years growing up on a small family farm in Belvedere, Vermont. After her father died, Betty and her family moved to Montpelier, Vermont, where she graduated from Montpelier high school in 1949. Betty and her former husband moved to Bristol, Connecticut, where they had four children. She moved to East Haddam, Connecticut, in 2005, where she lived with her daughter, Toni, and husband AJ. 

   Betty worked as a surface grinder at General Electric for twenty-six years. She also had several part time jobs to support her children. She was fiercely independent and confident. Betty made sure her children were well provided for and tirelessly worked for their benefit. 

   Betty loved adventure and the outdoors. She treasured her family home which was surrounded by nature and the songs of birds.   A few times every year she would return to her native state, Vermont. She relished spending quality time with her family at her sister’s camp on East Long Pond. This was her favorite spot for fishing, boating, and exploring the woods. She traveled out west with her children and enjoyed river rafting and hiking. One of her proudest moments was climbing to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park.

   Above all, Betty’s heart overflowed with love for her four children whom she supported relentlessly and loved unconditionally. She instilled in her children a fierce work ethic, determination, and a strong sense of self. Nothing is impossible if you work hard and stick to your goals.

   Betty is survived by three children, Toni Sibley Wasley, her husband AJ, and their three children; Aldea, Justin and his wife Sara, Anthony and his wife Emily; Kelly Sibley Dochow, her husband Philip, and their two children; Issac and Maeson; John Sibley, his wife Tricia, and their two children; Jackson and Emma. Betty is predeceased by her son Robert Sibley. She cherished her five great grandchildren: Stella, Cecilia, Savannah, Dashiell, and Milo.

   There will be a celebration of life for Betty in the summer where all who loved her may gather and share their memories and joy. Betty was deeply spiritual, and often said she spoke to God every day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Dog Star Rescue, PO Box 721, Canton CT 06019.

 

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