Elizabeth Vuilleumier Primavera

July 4, 2025

With deep sorrow and abiding love, we announce the passing of Elizabeth “Betsy” Primavera, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and aunt, who departed this life surrounded by family and love.

Betsy was born on March 1, 1940, at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey, the cherished daughter of the late Elizabeth and Ralph Vuilleumier. Her early years were filled with movement and discovery as her family relocated to Bogota, NJ, to be closer to New York City, where her father taught as a professor at Stevens Institute of Technology. They later returned to Morristown, where Betsy became a spirited cheerleader at Mountain Lakes High School. The family eventually settled in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she graduated from high school.

She continued her education at Green Mountain Junior College in Vermont and the University of Connecticut and ultimately earned her undergraduate degree from Mountain Lakes College. She later earned her Master of Education degree from Southern Connecticut State University, further deepening her commitment to teaching and lifelong learning.

Betsy began her teaching career in 1965 at Chatfield Elementary School, where she taught sixth grade. She went on to teach at Maple Street Elementary School and later at the new Seymour Middle School, where she completed her long and inspiring career as an educator. She was known for her passion, creativity, and her deep commitment to her students’ growth and confidence.

Betsy raised her family in Seymour, Connecticut, where she and Gene built a life centered around love, community, and faith. She was also a proud member of the Woodhaven Country Club in Bethany, CT, where she enjoyed spending time with friends and family in a warm and active social setting. After retiring in 2004, Betsy and Gene moved to New Bern, North Carolina, where she became an active and devoted member of Christ Church. There, she shared her love of knitting as a member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, creating comforting handmade gifts for those in need. Her faith continued to be a guiding force in her life, and she found great joy and purpose in her church community.

She dedicated her life to nurturing others—whether in the warmth of her home, the embrace of her classroom, or the lives of the many nieces and nephews who adored her. As a mother, she always put her children first and ensured that they were always taken care of. She was a steady presence, always listening, guiding, and cheering with fierce love. As a wife, she was a dedicated partner, sharing a life built on faith, laughter, and quiet strength. As a teacher, she inspired generations of students with compassion and a belief in their potential. And as an aunt, she gave generously of her time and heart, making each child feel seen and special.

Betsy found joy in reading, practicing yoga, knitting, and cherished beach trips with her family to Topsail Island. She was a woman of deep faith and an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Seymour, Connecticut. Her favorite hymn, Jesus Christ is Risen Today, was a reflection of her enduring hope and devotion. She lived her faith daily, with kindness, humility, and gratitude. She was also a proud member of the Mothers of Twins Club, where she found lifelong friendship and community.

Betsy is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Gene Primavera; her daughter Elizabeth Clements and her husband Glen, and their sons Ryan and Jake; her son Scott Primavera and his wife Laura, and their children Isabelle, Leo, Luna, and Liam; and her son Mark Primavera and his wife Laurissa, and their children Colby and Adelaine. She is also survived by her brother Philip Vuilleumier and his wife Antonieta, their daughter Elizabeth and her husband Luis Alonso, and great-nieces Daniela, Camila, and Isabela; and her brother Paul Vuilleumier and his wife Leslie, and their children Caroline and Andrew. She was predeceased by her sister, Eleanor Vuilleumier.

Her legacy is carried on through those she loved and those who loved her—her family, her students, and the many lives she touched. She was deeply loved. She will be deeply missed.

A celebration of her life will be held 10:00 am, Monday July 14, 2025 at Christ Church New Bern, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of one's choice, or that you honor her memory by doing something kind for someone else—just as she so often did.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Primavera family.