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09/22/2023 04:57 PMOn Sept. 10, Elizabeth Louise “Betty Lou” Hackbarth, 90, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away at Madison House surrounded by family. She was the wife of the late Robert F. Hackbarth. Elizabeth was born in New Haven on March 22, 1933, the daughter of the late Charles F. Pickett and Mildred E. Pickett (McNamara).
She was the loving mother of Katherine M. Hackbarth of Jewett City, Susan E. Fillion and her husband Steve of Killingworth, William C. Hackbarth of Hampton, New Hampshire, and Michael J. Hackbarth and his wife Kate of Clinton. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Rebecca, Steven, Adam, Sarah, Mary Kate, and Saoirse, and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Carol A. Izzo (Pickett) and her husband Joe of Bluffton, South Carlina, as well as 16 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, C. Rodman Pickett, and his wife, Laura C. Pickett (Civiatello) of Houston, Texas.
Betty Lou was a 1952 graduate of East Haven High School. She worked for Yale University until shortly after her marriage to Robert in 1958. During her 63-year marriage, she raised four children. She also ran the family farm that included horses, cows, chickens, turkeys, and other livestock. She later worked in retail and banking and eventually ran her own women’s clothing store. Betty Lou also liked to travel. She enjoyed visiting her brother’s family in Texas most of all. During her lifetime, she traveled to Italy, Nassau, Cape Cod, and the Caribbean. She also enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Guilford with her children and grandchildren.
Betty Lou’s generosity and hospitality were legendary. She loved to shop, especially for gifts for friends and family, particularly grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most of all, Betty Lou loved nothing more than to have her home with family and friends. She was the master of blueberry pie. All those who visited her home were treated to a piece of her blueberry pie. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. May they all find some measure of comfort in the wonderful memories of her presence in their lives.
Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org. Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.