Betsy Morley Swanhaus

Betsy Morley Swanhaus Kittell passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at the age of 81. A woman of boundless grace, deep faith, and joyful warmth, she lived in Vero Beach, Florida, and Greenwich, Connecticut, and formerly in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Born in Washington, D.C., Betsy was the daughter of Stanley M. Morley and Irene Lipscomb. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Bethesda, Maryland, and earned her degree from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York.

In 1967, Betsy married John G. Swanhaus, Jr., with whom she raised four children and built a family centered on love. Following John’s passing in 2007, Betsy found love again and married Donald Kittell of Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2012.

Betsy was adored by all who knew her. She lived her life guided by the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Spread love wherever you go... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” Beautiful, elegant, and vibrant, Betsy possessed a mischievous sense of fun and a pragmatic, living faith. She was a natural leader, a teacher of life, a loyal friend, and the beloved spearhead of “golf and bridge therapy.” Above all, her greatest devotion was to her family.

A committed servant to her community, Betsy was a Dame of the Order of Malta, serving as Chair of its Southwest Connecticut Area, supporting Malta House in Norwalk, Connecticut, and remaining actively involved with the Order of Malta in Vero Beach. She served as President of New Canaan CARES and dedicated her time to AmeriCares of Stamford, A Better Chance (ABC) New Canaan, the John’s Island Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Vero Beach. She was an active parishioner at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Florida. She was also a member of the Belle Haven Club, the Country Club of New Canaan, and the John’s Island Club.

Betsy is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Kittell; her children, Kristy, Michael, John III (Tripp), and Tommy; her son-in-law, Rafa de la Sierra; her daughter-in-law, Mary; and her seven

cherished grandchildren, Sofi, Niki, Lexi, and Luci de la Sierra, Daisy and Dillon Swanhaus, and Johnny Swanhaus. She was predeceased by her husband, John G. Swanhaus, Jr., and her sister, Mary Jane Morley Conway.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT. A reception celebrating her life will follow at 12:00 PM at The Roger Sherman Inn, 195 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Malta House, 139 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851, or online at www.maltahouse.org/how-you-can-help.