Betty Jo Gaudenzi

Betty Jo Gaudenzi (Sanders) of Haddam and longtime resident of Ivoryton passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and was the daughter of the late Raymond and Myrtle Sanders (Lawing). Betty was the beloved wife of 50 years to the late Bruno Gaudenzi, who passed away in 2003.

Betty dedicated 26 years of service to the Town of Essex, where she retired as Town Clerk and Treasurer. She was actively involved in many organizations, receiving the Paul Harris Award from the Essex Rotary Club. Her commitment extended to the Essex Women’s Club, Democratic Women’s Club, and the Essex branch of the Salvation Army, where she served as treasurer. Betty was a faithful parishioner at All Saints Episcopal Church in Ivoryton, CT, serving as Junior Warden and a member of the Altar Guild. She was also a member of Lady Washington #45 Eastern Star and was honored with a 50-year pin in 2019.

Betty enjoyed the flower and vegetable gardens she shared with Bruno. She cherished boating and fishing trips with her husband in Long Island Sound.

Betty is survived by her nieces: Bettyann Rembisz, Sharon Graves, Lisa Baker, Marcey Tabar, Melinda Singh, Suzanne Peters and Rica Ringwalt; and nephews: Donald Johnson, Thad Conwell, Paul Fuller, Walter Norris, and Robert and James White. She also leaves behind many great nieces and great nephews.

Betty enjoyed meaningful friendships and conversations with her sister-in-law, Ginger Zeleznicky, and her friend, Elisa Young.

Betty was predeceased by her sister, Bonnie Ann Wilcox; her brothers, James Sanders, Charles and Lee Conwell, her stepsister, Kathleen Fuller; and nephews, Ronald Sanders and Thomas Conwell.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 129 Main Street in Ivoryton, Connecticut on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 576, Ivoryton, CT 06442-0576. To share a memory of Betty or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements are in care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.