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10/26/2012 12:00 PMElizabeth “Libby” Kearney West, 90, of North Branford, formerly of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and Harwichport, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Oct. 24. She was the loving wife of 68 years to John “Johnny” Phelps West, age 91. Libby grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, daughter of Helen and David Kearney. She graduated from North High School in 1941 where she was a field hockey and basketball star. During the war years she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” before marrying Johnny, her older brother Paul’s Princeton University roommate, in 1944.
Libby was a great tennis player and a fierce bridge player. She loved to entertain and was well known from New Jersey to Cape Cod for her fabulous dinner parties for friends of all ages.
Besides her loving husband, she is survived by five children and their spouses, Judy and John Phelps West, Jr. of Cotati, California, Donald and Nancy West Hannah of Phoenix, Arizona, Nell and Davenport West III of Annapolis, Maryland, Jim and Betsy West Sneath of Branford, and Titus and Wendy West Brenninkmeijer of Pasadena, California. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by three brothers Paul, David, and Stephen Kearney, and a sister, Eleanor Kearney Penniman.
Private burial will be held at the family’s mausoleum in Simsbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, Branford, is in charge of arrangements. See online obit @www.wsclancy.com.