
Betty C. Drury
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Betty Arlene Chapman Drury, of Pittsfield, passed away on her 92nd birthday. She was surrounded by family in her home on Bryan Street, where she had resided for 47 years.
Born in North Adams, MA, on November 4, 1930, to Raymond J. Chapman and Annie Elizabeth Rowbotham Chapman, Betty attended Pittsfield schools and was a 1948 graduate of Pittsfield High School. On June 6, 1953, Betty wed her childhood sweetheart, Bartholomew J. Drury, Jr., at St. Stephen's Church in Pittsfield. They were married for almost 30 years until his death in 1983.
In 1987, Betty retired from AT&T, formerly New England Telephone & Telegraph Co., after 34 years of service as an operator. Many close friendships were formed during her time at "the phone company" that endured long beyond retirement.
When not busy caring for her family, pets, neighbors, and anyone else who needed her, Betty was an avid gardener who maintained beautiful flower beds and an immaculate yard. She was also an amazing cook and baker who took great pleasure in and insisted upon feeding everyone who visited her home.
Betty will be best remembered for her witty sense of humor and seemingly endless repertoire of songs, as well as her generous and selfless spirit. She was the cherished matriarch of her family and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Betty is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Karen Mackey, of Pittsfield; daughter-in-law Angela Drury, of Lee; grandchildren Mark (Valarie), Mindy, Megan, Melissa, and Matthew; great-grandchildren Kaden, Jaci, Logan, and Alana; nieces and nephews Judy, Dave, Jim, Randy, George, and Kathy; "other daughter" Victoria Gregory; and further extended family and friends.
In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Mark Drury, of Lee; siblings and their spouses Raymond (Marion), Clarence (Dot), Doris (Ray), and Bernie (Ted); and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Notice:
Funeral services for Mrs. Betty C. Drury will be Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 12 noon at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. Burial will follow at Pittsfield Cemetery. There will be an hour of visitation at the funeral home prior to the service, from 11 am to 12 noon. In celebration of Betty's lifelong love of animals, memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Animal Dreams, Berkshire Humane Society, or Sonsini Animal Shelter, in care of the funeral home. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.
