Betty Louise Emery

Born on November 12, 1931, in Portland, Maine, she was the daughter of George M. and Clara Ellen (Batteese) Bridges. Betty grew up in South Portland, where she attended local schools and graduated from South Portland High School with the Class of 1950.

On August 29, 1952, Betty married Russell H. Emery, also of South Portland. They settled in South Portland, where they raised their four daughters.

In the early 1950s, Betty worked for Hayden Stone in Portland before leaving to raise her family. Later, she took a retirement job at the Fanny Farmer Candy Shop at the Maine Mall, where she enjoyed sharing her love of chocolate with everyone.

Betty loved historical novels, gardening, knitting, and crocheting—a love she passed on to her granddaughter in Tennessee—all while going about her daily life listening to classic country and gospel music. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories during holidays and birthdays.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; seven brothers and two sisters; her beloved husband of 60 years, who passed away in June of 2012; and her beloved daughter, Karen E. Emery, who passed away in March of 2023 after devoting her retirement years to caring for her elderly mother.

She is survived by her daughters, Catherine L. Matz and her husband, James, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Ellen Emery Ross and her partner, William G. Ingraham, of Oxford, Florida; and Jennifer A. Morrell and her husband, Thomas, of Cumberland, Maine; as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff, volunteers, and therapy animals at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough for the wonderful care and compassion they gave to Betty and her family.

At Betty’s request, services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.