Bette J. Carter, 97, of Westbrook and Williamstown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on the evening of Feb. 21, with her daughter Lisa by her side. Born Aug. 29, 1924 in Camden, New Jersey, Bette is the daughter of the late Emil H. Weber and Verta (Blanck) Weber. Bette married the late Robert G. Carter, Sr., on March 4, 1945. They spent 63 years together, making a home and raising a family.
In her early years during World War II, Bette was a code transcriber before getting married. She enjoyed being on a bowling league, card clubs, and vacationing every summer in Ocean City, New Jersey. She was a longtime member of the Pennsauken Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. In her later years, Bette was a member of the Westbrook Congregational Church and was involved in the Ladies Society and craft group. She also found great joy playing cards and other games at the Westbrook Senior Center and The Estuary in Old Saybrook, often coming home a winner!
Above all else, Bette’s greatest joy was being a mother and spending time with family and friends she loved. Most precious times for Bette were gathering during Thanksgiving and Christmas with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Favorite times with her granddaughters were Friday pizza nights watching scary movies and laughing through it all.
Bette was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her daughter Carol L. (Carter) Kwoka, her son Thomas L. Carter, and her grandson Douglas E. Carter. Bette will be greatly missed by her children Robert G. Carter Jr (wife Gail) of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Lisa J. Forsman (husband Kurt) of Westbrook; her grandchildren Karie (Mike) Trunzo, Daniel (Christina) Eaton, Lauren (Douglas) Carter, Rachael Forsman, Christy (Anthony) Andronaco, and Alexa Forsman; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express its gratitude for the compassion and care provided to Bette and her family by the staff at Gladeview Health Care Center. We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Maribeth Balinkas and her caregivers for all their love and assistance.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bette’s name to: Westbrook Senior Center, Attention Courtney Burks, 866 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, CT 06498 Payable to: Town of Westbrook/Westbrook Senior Center.
