Betty H. Latham

Betty Harding (Brackett) Latham, 88, died May 15, 2011 after a period of declining health. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, John, in 2007.

Betty was born in Orleans on Sept. 23, 1922 to Samuel and Isabelle Brackett and grew up in Eastham, where she attended the “Little Yellow Schoolhouse”. Her father’s family, longtime Easthamers, grew asparagus and turnips and ran a general store. Betty grew up during the Great Depression, which hurt the family businesses, and she had to care for her younger siblings while her mother worked. She graduated from Orleans High School in 1940, excelling in athletics and music. Upon graduation Betty lived at The Franklin Square House in Boston, while she acquired secretarial skills that gained her employment in banking. She married John Latham in 1948 and lived in Brewster thereafter. In 1958 she and John took over his father’s plumbing business and she served as secretary and bookkeeper.

Betty was an incredibly active person who lived life to the fullest. She was a den mother in cub scouts, attended all of her children’s and grandchildren’s school programs and sports events. She was an avid golfer who participated in the Dennis Pines women’s league for many years. A natural entertainer, she played her beloved C melody saxophone in the Harwich Town Band for many years and later joined the Brewster Town Band as well. She enjoyed playing with the Geritol Jazz Band, which entertained at local nursing homes. Betty was also an accomplished dancer who performed with many local dance troupes. She especially loved tap dancing. She and John were noted for their ballroom dance prowess. Betty was a longtime member of the Brewster Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, and taught in the summer program. She was a diehard Boston Celtics fan who seldom missed a televised game, including the late West Coast games. An entertainer to the end, Betty sang a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to one of her grandchildren just days before her passing.

Betty was also predeceased by a sister, Judy Doherty, and a brother, Jay Brackett. She is survived by a sister, Phyllis Drayton, of Orleans, a son, Jack and wife Jill, of Brewster and a daughter, Marsha Rowe and husband Matt, of Harwich. She is also survived by grandchildren Tyan Bassett and husband Roland III, Leah Raphael and husband Brandon, Galan Latham, Morgan Rowe, Marnie Rowe and great-grandchildren Roland IV and Lakotah Basset and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you mother for the days at the beach. Thank you mother for the band concerts. Thank you mother for never saying a harsh word about others. Thank you for reminding us that no matter how dark the day, to look for the light.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Cape Cod 434 Route 134 Suite D-3, South Dennis, MA 02660 or Brewster Baptist Church 1848 Main St. Brewster, MA 02631.