In Memoriam: 'Betty Lou' Osborne of Appleberry Farm, 88

Elizabeth Louise Brown Osborne, known to all as Betty Lou, passed away on September 11, 2013. Family, friends and her beloved dogs surrounded her as she peacefully passed away on the land that she loved, Appleberry Farm. She was a resident of Sandy Hook for 74 of her 88 years.

Betty Lou was a dynamic woman of strong convictions and a gentle soul. She and her husband, Jim, were welcoming and extremely generous to all. Appleberry was a place where one could find a peaceful respite, a home cooked meal, a ride on a pony, a new puppy, some fresh garden vegetables and, of course, a swim in the pool. You always had to be prepared for April Fools Day, her special day of magic for all.

Betty Lou, also known as Gram and Gram-the-Great, was predeceased by her husband, James M. Osborne, Jr., her parents, Dorothy Dalton and Robert Y. Brown, and her brother, Robert Young Brown, Jr. She is survived by her children James Robert Osborne and his wife, Inge, of Hamden, CT, Michael Brown Osborne and his wife, Deborah, of Sandy Hook, CT, Dorothy (Dody) Allison Osborne Cox and her husband, Jay, of Guilford, CT and Susan Dayton Osborne White and her husband, Brian, of Newtown, CT, her twelve grandchildren Katherine Osborne Munno, Rebecca Osborne, Dalton Cox McCurdy, Owen Osborne, Kendall Cox Leclerc, Devin Osborne, Elizabeth (Libba) Cox Burke, Andrew White, Carly Osborne, Alice Frances Cox, Ian White, and Emmett White, and five great grandchildren Jameson, Zachary, Lola, Avery, and Juniper, her sister-in-law, Allison Osborne Titgemeier of Chardon, OH and her two loyal dogs, Scout and Stuart Little. Betty Lou's last few years were enriched by her companion, Deb Zaccagnini along with her other friends and caregivers of love Audrey Scout, Denise Buckley, Phyllis Page and Marsha Moskowitz.

Betty Lou was born on April 6, 1925 in New York City. She spent her early years in the Fairfield area and attended the Unquowa School. After graduating from the Brearley School in Manhattan, she went on to graduate from Smith College in 1947.

Betty Lou married her soul mate and political sparring partner, Jim, on May 8th, 1948. They were an amazing team for over 55 years.

Betty Lou's passions were her family, Appleberry and the animals, friends, politics, education and her beloved town. She never took any of those for granted.

She was a woman of dedication, courage, and a few strong opinions. She was a giver to all creatures great and small. Betty Lou believed that one has a responsibility to their community be it global or local. A lifelong Democrat, she campaigned for many town, state and national candidates. She was very active in the League of Women voters and a passionate supporter of Planned Parenthood. She taught Sunday school for the Congregational Church was a Brownie and Cub Scout leader. She was a passionate supporter on the sideline of many a baseball, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse game or wrestling match for both her children and grandchildren.

Betty Lou loved Newtown. She was elected to the Edmond Town Hall Board of Board of Directors where she served as Chairperson for multiple decades. As a staunch supporter of higher education she had an unwavering belief that all Newtown students should have the financial support from their community to go on to any and all colleges. She served with The Newtown Scholarship Association for almost 40 years. Over those years Betty Lou also served on the Board of Trustees of Chase Collegiate School, formerly St. Margaret's-McTernan, Waterbury, CT.

A memorial service for family and friends of Betty Lou will be held Friday, October 4th at 10:30AM at the Newtown Meeting House, Main Street, Newtown, CT. Following the tribute all are invited to walk to the Edmond Town Hall on Main Street and gather at the Alexandria Room to continue the celebration of Betty Lou's life. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Newtown Scholarship Association, PO Box 302, Newtown, CT, 06470 would be appreciated. To leave online condolences visit www.honanfh.com

Obituary courtesy of Honan Funeral Home.